Updated efficacy and subgroup analysis of first-line serplulimab plus bevacizumab and XELOX versus placebo plus bevacizumab and XELOX in metastatic colorectal cancer: A phase 2/3 study.
Authors: Xu Rui-Hua , Wang Feng , Wang Zi-Xian , Peng Junjie , Liang Xinjun , Cheng Ying , Deng Yanhong , Chen Kehe , Zhang Mingjun , Zhang Jingdong , Wang Wei , Cao Bangwei , Jin Yongdong , Sun Meili , Lin Yuan , Luo Suxia , Li Zhen , Yang Liu , Wang Qingyu , Zhu Jun 
Published: January 2025

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Background:
This is a randomized, double-blind, multicenter phase 2/3 study comparing the efficacy and safety of serplulimab (a novel anti-PD-1 antibody) plus bevacizumab and XELOX chemotherapy vs. placebo plus bevacizumab and XELOX as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Our previous presentation at the 2024 ASCO Meeting showed the progression-free survival results. Here we present the updated efficacy and safety findings together with subgroup analysis results after a median follow-up of 31.0 months.
Methods:
A total of 114 patients with mCRC and no prior systemic therapy were randomized 1:1 (serplulimab arm, n = 57; placebo arm, n = 57) to receive intravenous (IV) serplulimab (300 mg) plus bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg) and XELOX (IV oxaliplatin [130 mg/m
2
] and oral capecitabine [1000 mg/m
2
]) (group A) or placebo plus bevacizumab and XELOX (group B) once every 3 weeks. Stratification factors were PD-L1 expression level, ECOG PS score, and primary tumor site. The primary endpoint was independent radiological review committee (IRRC)-assessed PFS per RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints included other efficacy endpoints, safety, pharmacokinetics, biomarker explorations, and quality-of-life assessments.
Results:
In the phase 2 part, by the data cutoff of June 30, 2024, sustained improvements in PFS (16.6 vs. 10.7 months, stratified HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.37–1.19) and DOR (17.7 vs. 11.3 months, stratified HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.20–0.98) were observed for patients in group A compared to group B in the modified intent-to-treat population (n = 112; two patients in group A did not receive any intended study treatment). 32/55 (58.2%) patients in group A and 35/57 (61.4%) in group B have died. Median overall survival (OS) was 25.6 months in group A and 21.2 months in group B (stratified HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.53–1.42). A trend of PFS and OS benefits was similarly observed for the patients with a microsatellite stable (MSS) status (PFS: 16.8 vs. 10.1 months, stratified HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.33–1.29; OS: 23.5 vs. 20.2 months, stratified HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.45–1.38). 39 (70.9%) patients in group A and 34 (59.6%) in group B had grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events. Serplulimab/placebo-related serious TRAEs occurred in 13 (23.6%) patients in group A and 14 (24.6%) patients in group B.
Conclusions:
With a follow-up duration of 31.0 months, improved survival benefits demonstrated with the addition of serplulimab were maintained in the first-line treatment of mCRC patients including those with MSS status alongside a manageable safety profile. The phase 3 part of this study is currently ongoing to further evaluate serplulimab plus bevacizumab and XELOX as a first-line treatment option in mCRC.
Clinical trial information: NCT04547166
.