Bortezomib sensitization of recurrent glioblastoma with unmethylated MGMT promoter to temozolomide, a phase II study (NCT03643549).
Authors: Goplen Dorota , Rahman Mohummad Aminur , Brekke Jorunn , Arnesen Victoria Smith , Simonsen Anne , Waha Andreas , Marienhagen Kirsten , Oltedal Leif , Haasz Judit , Miletic Hrvoje , Solheim Tora Skeidsvoll , Brandal Petter , Lie Stein Atle , Chekenya Martha 
Published: June 2022

TPS2081 Background: Patients with glioblastoma with functional O6 methylguanine DNA methyltransferase ( MGMT) DNA repair enzyme gain limited benefit from temozolomide (TMZ). Bortezomib depletes the MGMT enzyme, restoring the tumor ́s susceptibility to TMZ, if the chemotherapy is administered in the precise schedule. Additionally, bortezomib inhibits the tumor growth by blocking autophagy flux. Thus, pre-treatment with bortezomib prior to temozolomide leads to DNA repair enzyme depletion and blockade of autophagy-induced survival signals. Methods: The academic, industry independent, multicenter, open label, single arm, non-randomized phase II trial is designed to investigate the survival benefits for patients treated with bortezomib 48hrs prior to TMZ. Efficacy of this therapy will be compared to historical cohorts receiving standard management. The study will include 53 patients with recurrent or progressive, MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma. The additional 10 patients were treated in the phase IB. All patients will receive a combination of bortezomib 1.3mg/m2 administered IV on days 1, 4, 7, during each 4-week chemotherapy cycle with PO TMZ at 200mg/m2 5 days/week q4w starting on day 3. Dose reduction of TMZ is allowed if reduced bone marrow tolerance is present. Major eligibility criteria include histologically confirmed glioblastoma with unmethylated MGMT promoter, MRI evidence of recurrence within 14 days prior to enrolment, age ≥ 18 years with life expectancy > 8 weeks, KPS ≥ 70, radiologically (MRI) confirmed tumor relapse/progression ≥ 12 weeks since completed radiotherapy, tumor not available for radiosurgery, adequate bone marrow, renal and liver function, no contraindications for bortezomib and/or TMZ. Endpoints: Estimation of the median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with recurrent or progressed glioblastoma as well as progression free rate at 6 months. Secondary objectives: Therapy response assessed by contrast enhanced MRI (RANO criteria) and neurological examination (NANO criteria) as well as identification of novel biomarkers that correlate with treatment response. Twenty-four of the planned 53 patients are enrolled. Five of them receive treatment. The prespecified activity goal for the first stage of the study was met. Discussion: Patients with glioblastoma harboring active MGMT enzyme have median survival of 12.7 months, compared to 21.7 months for patients with the MGMT gene promoter silenced by methylation. This dismal prognosis for the approx. 55% of GBM patients underscores the unmet need for novel combination therapies that sensitize the tumors to chemotherapy. Results from this trial will serve as preliminary evidence of the role of bortezomib administered in a precise manner to abolish the temozolomide resistance of GBM with unmethylated MGMT promotor. The study is currently active and recruiting. Clinical trial information: NCT03643549.