A phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation study of selinexor plus ruxolitinib in patients with treatment-naïve myelofibrosis.
Authors: Ali Haris , Kishtagari Ashwin , Maher Keri Renee , Mohan Sanjay , Mazumder Amitabha , Chamoun Kamal , Karasik Igor , Sbar Eric , Dugon Laura , Tamir Sharon , Wang Xulong , Prchal Josef T. , Tantravahi Srinivas Kiran 
Published: June 2022

7060

Background: Myelofibrosis (MF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by unregulated, clonal proliferation of a hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow and is commonly associated with gene mutations in JAK2, CALR, or MPL. Front-line therapy may include the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib (RUX), resulting in spleen volume reductions and improvement in MF-related symptoms. Despite the therapeutic effect of RUX, most patients (pts) eventually progress and thus novel combinations are required to increase responses and delay progression. Selinexor (SEL) is an oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) compound, specifically inhibiting exportin-1 (XPO1), and currently approved for treatment of multiple myeloma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Significant activity of SEL in combination with RUX has been shown in preclinical studies, and SEL monotherapy in MF refractory to JAK inhibitors demonstrated robust clinical activity and a tolerable safety profile (NCT03627403). Here, we present the initial results of a phase 1 dose escalation study of the combination SEL and RUX in treatment-naïve MF. Methods: The ongoing multicenter, open-label, Phase 1/2 study (NCT04562389) is evaluating the efficacy and safety of SEL plus RUX in JAKi-naïve MF pts. Two dose levels of SEL were evaluated, 40mg and 60mg once-weekly (QW) plus RUX twice daily (BID) as per label in 28-day cycles, using a 3+3 design. All pts received 5-HT3 antagonist for nausea prophylaxis. Primary objectives include safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), and preliminary efficacy. Secondary objectives include spleen, symptom, and anemia response, and OS. Results: As of 31 Jan 2022, 10 pts have been dosed in 2 dose levels (40mg (n = 3), and 60mg (n = 7) SEL QW plus RUX). RUX starting dose was 20 mg in 8 pts, 15 mg in one patient and 10 mg in one patient. The median age was 64 (range 45-76). Seven pts had primary MF and 3 had post-ET MF. DIPSS risk category was int-1 (n = 4), int-2 (n = 4) and high risk (n = 2). No dose limiting toxicities have been reported at either dose levels of SEL. One patient required dose interruption due to dizziness and later discontinued treatment due to new onset of atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension (unrelated to SEL and RUX) after 5 months of therapy. All other pts remain on study. There was no grade 3 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia observed. Hemoglobin level was maintained without any significant worsening. The most common treatment-emergent adverse event was low grade nausea (30%). All pts experienced improvement in their white blood cell count. Four of the first 5 evaluable pts demonstrated ≥35% spleen volume reduction at week 12. Conclusions: The combination of SEL and RUX has been well-tolerated and with a manageable side effect profile. No dose limiting toxicities were observed in pts with treatment-naïve MF in cohort 1 of once weekly oral SEL 40 and 60 mg with RUX. Clinical trial information: NCT04562389.