Intraperitoneal Paclitaxel-loaded TPM for Treatment of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

A first-in-human, unblinded, phase I trial of Paclitaxel-loaded tumor penetrating microparticles (TPM) in peritoneal carcinomatosis patients who are not eligible for standard-of-care therapeutic interventions.

This is a first in human study of Paclitaxel-loaded TPM, suspended in 0.5 L of 0.1% polysorbate 80 in normal saline instilled into the peritoneal cavity.

An enrolled patient will (a) undergo laparoscopy during which time the hydrostatic pressures at different locations within the peritoneal cavity are measured, pretreatment tumors are biopsied and peritoneal catheter is placed, (b) receive intraperitoneal TPM during index hospital stay, and (c) followed-up to evaluate treatment-related toxicity and response. The pharmacokinetics of TPM and paclitaxel in peritoneal fluid and systemic blood samples will be measured. Second dose of TPM is given in clinic if no disease progression or significant AEs.

This is a dose escalation study. Dose escalation will proceed using an accelerated titration design (ATD) with intra-patient dose escalation.

In the event either:

* 1 patient exhibits DLT during the first course of treatment or
* 2 patients exhibit grade 2 study drug-related (attribution of probable or definite) toxicity during the first course of treatment.

The design switches to a standard 3+3 design at the dose that triggered the switch-two additional patients are accrued at this dose level. Decisions on when and how to escalate if the design switches to a 3+3 are described in the protocol section 6.3

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document
* Have pathology proven peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) due to colorectal, ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, appendiceal cancer or mesothelioma, or suspected peritoneal metastasis based on radiological findings. (Patient to come off study if no pathology evidence of peritoneal metastasis at the time of surgery)
* No other standard treatment options are available
* Measurable intraperitoneal disease by RECIST v1.1 criteria , or by radiological PCI scoring when RECIST is not feasible, on imaging studies
* 18 to 75 years of age
* Have an ECOG performance of 0 to 2
* Have adequate organ and bone marrow functions as indicated by:
* Leukocytes ≥ 3000/mcL
* Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1500/mcL
* Platelets ≥ 100000/mcL
* Total bilirubin within normal institutional limits
* AST (SGOT) \< 3 x institutional upper limit of normal
* ALT (SPGT) \< 3 x institutional upper limit of normal
* Medically fit for surgery. Defined as: Patients who are able to undergo general anesthesia for abdominal surgery and have a metabolic equivalent (METs) ≥ 4
* Have adequate contraception, as follows:

  1. Women of child-bearing potential and men with partners of child-bearing potential must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry, for the duration of study participation, and for 10 months beyond the last dose of TPM. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately
  2. A woman of child-bearing potential is any female (regardless of sexual orientation, having undergone a tubal ligation, or remaining celibate by choice) who meets the following criteria:
* has not undergone a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy; or
* has not been naturally postmenopausal for at least 12 consecutive months (i.e., has had menses at any time in the preceding 12 consecutive months)

  c. Men with partners of child bearing potential must use barrier contraceptive

  d. Men of child-bearing potential must not donate sperm while on this study and for 7 months after the last dose of TPM

Acceptable forms of birth control are listed below:

* One Barrier method (cervical cap with spermicide plus male condom; diaphragm with spermicide plus male condom) OR
* Hormonal method (oral contraceptives, implants, or injections) or an intrauterine device (e.g., Copper-T)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of mucinous ascites
* Evidence of extra-peritoneal metastases
* Current or expected use of other investigational agents
* Received systemic chemotherapy or radiotherapy within 3 weeks prior to study enrollment or not recovering from adverse events (e.g., recovery to ≤ Grade 1)
* Abdominal cavity deemed not accessible by treating surgeon due to prior abdominal surgery
* History of allergic reactions to paclitaxel, PLG co-polymer, mannitol, or polysorbate 80
* Uncontrolled intercurrent illness
* Currently active second malignancy other than non-melanoma skin cancer
* Pregnancy, nursing, or plans to become pregnant for the duration of study participation including 10 months beyond the last dose of TPM
* Grade 2 or higher peripheral neuropathy
* CrCL ≤ 4 mL/min
* Actively treated for other malignancy
* Patients with HIV or Hepatitis B/C requiring the use of ART agents