First-in-human dose-escalation trial of BI 764532, a delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3)/CD3 IgG-like T-cell engager in patients (pts) with DLL3-positive (DLL3+) small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC).
Authors: Wermke Martin , Felip Enriqueta , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Morgensztern Daniel , Sayehli Cyrus , Sanmamed Miguel F. , Arriola Edurne , Oum'Hamed Zohra , Song Eric , Studeny Matus , Gambardella Valentina 
Published: June 2023

8502 Background: The inhibitory Notch ligand, DLL3, is highly expressed on the cell surface of SCLC and NEC tumors and is a promising drug target. BI 764532 is a DLL3/CD3 T cell engaging bispecific antibody that has shown potent preclinical anti-tumor activity in DLL3+ cells and xenograft models. NCT04429087 is an ongoing phase I first-in-human, open-label, dose-escalation trial of BI 764532 in adults with locally advanced/metastatic DLL3+ (confirmed centrally) SCLC, NEC or small cell carcinoma of any other origin (grouped as NEC), or large cell NEC (LCNEC). Methods: BI 764532 was administered intravenously using three different regimens: Regimen (R) A (fixed iv dose q3w); RB1 (fixed iv dose qw); RB2 (step-in doses followed by a fixed dose). Treatment (Tx) continued until progressive disease (PD), unacceptable toxicity, other withdrawal criteria, or maximum Tx duration (36 mos). The main objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended dose for expansion of BI 764532, based on dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) during the MTD evaluation period. Further objectives were safety, tolerability, PK/PD and preliminary efficacy based on investigator review (RECIST v1.1). Results: As of 28th Dec 2022, 90 pts received ≥1 dose of BI 764532 (RA: n = 24, 8 dose levels; RB1: n = 10, 3 dose levels; RB2: n = 56, 6 dose levels; starting dose: 0.03 µg/kg). Median age: 60 years (32–78); ECOG PS 0/1: 24/74%; prior PD1/PD-L1 Tx: 40%; ≥2 prior lines of Tx: 69%. SCLC/NEC/LCNEC: 52/41/4%. Median Tx duration: 43 days (range 1–443); 25 pts are ongoing. DLTs were seen in 1 pt on RA (Grade 3 confusion) and 4 pts on RB2 (Grade 4 cytokine release syndrome [CRS]; Grade 3 CRS, Grade 3 nervous system disorder, Grade 2 infusion-related reaction). MTD has not been reached and dose escalation is ongoing. Overall, the most common treatment-related AEs were (any/Grade 3+): CRS (58/2%); pyrexia (19/0%); decreased lymphocytes (18/14%); asthenia (17/1%); dysgeusia (14/0%). CRS was managed with supportive care, corticosteroids, and/or anti-IL-6R antibodies. With RB2, most CRS and neurological events occurred early, and were reversable. Tumor response data were available for 70 pts (RA/RB1/RB2: n = 19/8/43). In pts with SCLC (n = 24) or NEC (n = 23) who received ≥ target dose of BI 764532, ORR was 33% and 22% across all regimens, respectively. One pt with LCNEC was also evaluable for response and achieved PR. Conclusions: BI 764532 showed clinically manageable tolerability and MTD has not been reached at the doses administered to date. Promising efficacy has been observed, not only in SCLC but also in difficult to treat entities such as NEC and LCNEC. The study is ongoing; updated data will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT04429087 .