Final results of CORE-001: A phase-2, single arm study of cretostimogene grenadenorepvec in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with BCG-unresponsive, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with carcinoma in situ.
Authors: Li Roger , Shah Paras H , Stewart Tyler F. , Bivalacqua Trinity , Lamm Donald L. , Geynisman Daniel M. , Meeks Joshua J , Uchio Edward M. , Jacob Joseph M , Dickstein Rian J. , Pearce Shane , Burke James M. , Steinberg Gary D. 
Published: June 2024

4601 Background: Cretostimogene grenadenorepvec is a type-5 oncolytic adenovirus designed to selectively replicate in bladder cancer cells with alterations in the retinoblastoma pathway. Additionally, the virus is engineered to express the GM-CSF transgene, resulting in a potent oncolytic immunotherapy mode of action. Cretostimogene monotherapy recently received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy Designations (BTD) in the BCG-Unresponsive, High-Risk, non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer with Carcinoma in Situ (BCG-UR HR NMIBC with CIS) indication with a Complete Response (CR) at any time rate of 76%. This phase-2 study assessed the potential synergy between intravesical cretostimogene and pembrolizumab in patients with BCG-UR, HR NMIBC, with CIS, with or without Ta/T1 tumors. This combination has also received BTD from the FDA. Methods: 35 pts were treated with cretostimogene (1x1012 viral particles) in combination with pembrolizumab at a dose of 400 mg IV q6 weeks. Cretostimogene induction was given as 6 weekly intravesical instillations followed by 3 weekly maintenance doses at months 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18. Pts with persistent CIS or high-grade Ta tumors at the 3mo assessment were eligible for re-induction. Pembrolizumab was administered for up to 24mo. Response assessments included cystoscopy, urine cytology, cross-sectional imaging, and mandatory bladder mapping biopsies at 12mo. The primary endpoint was CR at 12mo. Secondary endpoints included CR at any time, duration of response (DOR), CR at 24mo, cystectomy-free survival, and safety. Exploratory endpoints included analyses of baseline viral receptor expression, free E2F levels, PD-L1 status, urinary cytokine panels and measures of viral replication. Results: 30/35 pts are evaluable per protocol for the primary endpoint. Five pts discontinued prior to the 12mo time point. The CR rate in the Intention to Treat (ITT) population at 12mo and any time, was 57% (20/35) (95% CI 40-73%) and 83% (29/35) (95% CI 66-93%), respectively. Median DOR has not been reached but exceeds 21mo. The current CR rate in the ITT population at 24mo is 46% (16/35) (95% CI 29-63%). Three pts have yet to reach the 24mo time point. Cystectomy-free survival at 21mo is 80%. Complete data on the ITT and evaluable patient cohorts will be presented. Analyses of treatment-related adverse events (AE) are consistent with the individual agents and demonstrate no synergistic toxicity. Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of cretostimogene plus pembrolizumab for treatment of BCG-UR, HR NMIBC with CIS demonstrates best-in-class CR and DOR compared to current FDA-approved therapies, with an acceptable AE profile. Further investigation of this promising combination therapy is warranted and may serve to address a considerable unmet need. Clinical trial information: NCT04387461 .