Clinical trial NCT01693822
Conditions: Clear-cell Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Keywords: metastatic renal cell carcinoma predominant clear cell histology Unsuitable for nephrectomy unsuitable for 'watch and wait' policy
Sponsor: Institute of Cancer Research, United Kingdom
Start date: 2012-10-01; Completion date: 2022-02-28
Enrollment: 65 participants; Allocation: NA; Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP

Brief summary:
A-PREDICT is a study of axitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma unsuitable for nephrectomy (as judged by the treating clinician) to evaluate efficacy, safety, toxicity and changes in biomarkers during therapy. Axitinib will given twice daily by mouth according to tolerability of treatment, for as long as patients are deriving clinical benefit. Blood and tumour tissue samples will be taken prior to and during therapy to evaluate biomarkers of treatment response. The primary clinical objective of this study is to define the activity of axitinib given to patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma unsuitable for nephrectomy.

Detailed description:
A-PREDICT is a single arm, single agent, open label, multicentre, phase II study of axitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma of predominant clear cell histology and unsuitable for debulking nephrectomy (as judged by the treating clinician). Patients who have provided consent and have satisfied the eligibility criteria will be registered into the trial.

The starting dose of axitinib will be 5 mg twice daily by mouth, escalating to a maximum of 10mg twice daily by mouth according to tolerability of treatment, for as long as patients are deriving clinical benefit. Treatment will be paused for one week prior to percutaneous biopsy of the primary on day 1 week 9. Disease progression will be evaluated according to RECIST v1.1 criteria 8 weeks after commencing treatment, at 8 weekly intervals to 6 months and 3 monthly thereafter. Blood and tumour tissue samples will be taken prior to and during therapy to evaluate biomarkers of treatment response. Nephrectomy will be carried out on any patient who becomes suitable in the opinion of the treating clinician during the course of the trial. Where possible, tissue samples will be taken from resected specimens. Response to axitinib in marker lesions will be correlated with changes in biomarkers.

Arms: arm 1: Axitinib - oral tablet twice daily until disease progression. Starting dose 5mg.
Interventions: intervention 1: Axitinib
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Axitinib treatment Axitinib is an oral VEGF-receptor inhibitor. Patients are prescribed a starting dose of 5mg twice daily, escalating to 10mg in absence of dose limiting toxicities.

Patients should stop axitinib treatment one week prior to day 1 week 9 percutaneous research biopsy of the primary renal tumour and restart 2-3 days post biopsy.

Doses should be taken approximately 12 hours apart and patients should be instructed to take their doses at approximately the same times each day.

Dose adjustments, including dose increase or dose reduction, are permitted and should be based on clinical judgement and the guidelines provided in the protocol.

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
Version 9 Dated 02/06/2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
A Phase II Study of Axitinib in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer Unsuitable 
for Nephrectomy 
 
 
Chief Investigator 
James Larkin 
Sponsor: 
The Institute of Cancer Research  and the Royal Marsden NHS 
Foundation Trust 
 
 
Approval: 
Cancer Research UK 
Funder: 
Pfizer 
 
 
Coordinating Trials Unit: 
ICR Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) 
The Institute of Cancer Research 
 
PROTOCOL Version 9 
02/06/2020 
 
EudraCT Number: 
2011-004562-16 
ICR-CTSU Protocol Number: 
ICR-CTSU/2011/10033 
Sponsor’s ID Number: 
CCR3587 
Main REC Reference Number: 
12/LO/0639 
ISRCTN: 
ISRCTN72679844 
 
 
The A-PREDICT trial has been approved 
by Cancer Research UK’s Clinical Trials Awards & Advisory Committee (CTAAC) 
The A-PREDICT trial is part of the National Institute for 
Health Research Clinical Research Network Trial Portfolio 
 
 
This protocol is a controlled document and should not be copied, distributed or reproduced without the 
written permission of the ICR-CTSU 


 
Version 9 Dated 02/06/2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
ADMINISTRATION 
Scientific Coordination 
 
Prof James Larkin 
Chief Clinical Investigator 
Consultant Medical Oncologist,  
Royal Marsden Hospital 
Fulham Road 
London 
SW3 6JJ 
Tel +44 20 7808 2132 
Fax +44 20 7808 2688 
Email: James.Larkin@rmh.nhs.uk  
Prof Charles Swanton 
Chief Scientific Investigator 
The Francis Crick Institute 
1 Midland Road 
London NW1 1AT 
Tel +44 20 7269 3463 
Fax +44 20 7269 3094  
Email: Charles.Swanton@cancer.org.uk   
 
 
Trial Coordination 
A-PREDICT Trial Manager 
ICR Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) 
Division of Clinical Studies 
The Institute of Cancer Research 
Sir Richard Doll Building 
Cotswold Road 
Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG 
 
ICR-CTSU (a UKCRC registered NCRI cancer trials unit) is responsible for the day to day conduct of the 
trial. 
ICR-CTSU Scientific Lead : Judith Bliss 
Tel: 020 8722 4297 
Judith.Bliss@icr.ac.uk 
ICR-CTSU Senior Statistician: Lucy Kilburn 
Tel: 020 8722 4080 
apredict-icrctsu@icr.ac.uk  
ICR-CTSU Clinical Trials Programme Manager: 
Rebecca Lewis 
Tel: 0208 722 4081 
apredict-icrctsu@icr.ac.uk 
A-PREDICT Trial Manager: Steven Penegar 
Tel: 0208 722 4238 
apredict-icrctsu@icr.ac.uk  
 
 
 
Any questions relating to this protocol should be addressed in the first instance to the A-PREDICT Trial 
Manager within ICR-CTSU: 
Email: apredict-icrctsu@icr.ac.uk  
General enquiries: 0208 722 4238 
Fax: 0208 770 7876 
 
 


 
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3 
PROTOCOL DEVELOPMENT GROUP 
Prof. Judith Bliss 
Director, ICR-CTSU,  
 
ICR-CTSU, The Institute of Cancer Research,  
Dr James Larkin 
Consultant Medical Oncologist 
Royal Marsden Hospital 
Prof. Charles Swanton 
Consultant Medical Oncologist   
The Francis Crick Institute 
Dr Ekaterini Boleti 
Consultant Medical Oncologist, 
Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust 
Prof. Martin Gore 
Consultant Medical Oncologist, 
Royal Marsden Hospital 
Prof. Robert Hawkins 
Director of Medical Oncology 
University of Manchester/Christie Hospital 
Dr Agnieszka Michael 
Consultant Medical Oncologist 
Royal Surrey County Hospital 
Dr Tom Powles 
Consultant Medical Oncologist 
St Bartholomew’s & The Royal London Hospital 
Dr Simon Chowdhury 
Consultant Medical Oncologist 
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital 
Dr Lisa Pickering 
Consultant Medical Oncologist 
Royal Marsden Hospital 
Dr Rosalie Fisher 
Clinical Research Fellow 
Royal Marsden Hospital 
Mr Tim O’Brien 
Consultant Urologist 
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital 
Dr Aslam Sohaib 
Consultant Radiologist 
Royal Marsden Hospital 
Claire Snowdon 
Deputy Director (Operations) 
ICR-CTSU, The Institute of Cancer Research,  
Lucy Kilburn 
Senior Statistician 
ICR-CTSU, The Institute of Cancer Research,  
Rebecca Lewis 
Senior Trials Manager 
ICR-CTSU, The Institute of Cancer Research,  
Eleftheria Kalaitzaki  
Translational Statistician 
ICR-CTSU, The Institute of Cancer Research,  
Andrew Rowan 
 Principal Scientific Officer 
The Francis Crick Institute 
The Trial Management Group (TMG) will be constituted from members of the Protocol Development Group 
and Principal Investigators from a subset of participating centres. A copy of the current membership of the 
TMG can be obtained from the A-PREDICT Trial Manager at ICR-CTSU. 
Protocol Authorised by: 
Name & Role 
Signature 
Date 
Dr James Larkin 
(Chief Clinical Investigator) 
 
02/062020 
This protocol describes the A-PREDICT trial and provides information about procedures for entering patients. 
The protocol should not be used as a guide for the treatment of other patients. Every care has been taken in 
the preparation of this protocol, but corrections or amendments may be necessary. These will be circulated, 
once approved, to investigators in the trial. New potential centres are advised to contact ICR-CTSU to 
confirm they have the most recent version of the protocol.  
This trial will adhere to the principles outlined in the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 
2004 (SI 2004/1031) as amended. It will be conducted in compliance with the protocol, the Data Protection 
Act (Z6364106) and other regulatory requirements as appropriate. 
 


 
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Table of Contents 
1. 
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 10 
1.1. 
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF METASTATIC RENAL CELL CARCINOMA ....................................... 10 
1.2. 
MEDICAL TREATMENT OF METASTATIC RENAL CELL CARCINOMA .......................................... 10 
1.3. 
PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH METASTATIC DISEASE NOT CLINICALLY INDICATED FOR 
NEPHRECTOMY .............................................................................................................................................. 10 
1.4. 
AXITINIB .............................................................................................................................................. 11 
1.4.1. 
PRECLINICAL DATA ................................................................................................................ 11 
1.5. 
HUMAN STUDIES OF AXITINIB ......................................................................................................... 11 
1.5.1. 
EFFICACY - PHASE I ............................................................................................................... 11 
1.5.2. 
EFFICACY - PHASE II: AXITINIB IN CYTOKINE-REFRACTORY METASTATIC RCC .......... 11 
1.5.3. 
EFFICACY - PHASE II: AXITINIB IN SORAFENIB REFRACTORY METASTATIC RCC ........ 12 
1.5.4. 
SAFETY AND TOLERABILITY - PHASE I ................................................................................ 12 
1.5.5. 
SAFETY AND TOLERABILITY - PHASE II ............................................................................... 13 
1.6. 
A-PREDICT STUDY RATIONALE ....................................................................................................... 13 
2. 
TRIAL OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................................... 13 
2.1. 
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE ....................................................................................................................... 13 
2.2. 
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................... 13 
2.3. 
EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................... 13 
3. 
TRIAL DESIGN .................................................................................................................................... 14 
4. 
STUDY ENDPOINTS ........................................................................................................................... 14 
4.1. 
PRIMARY ENDPOINT ......................................................................................................................... 14 
4.2. 
SECONDARY ENDPOINTS ................................................................................................................ 14 
4.3. 
EXPLORATORY ENDPOINTS ............................................................................................................ 14 
5. 
PATIENT SELECTION & ELIGIBILITY .............................................................................................. 14 
5.1. 
NUMBER OF PATIENTS ..................................................................................................................... 14 
5.2. 
SOURCE OF PATIENTS ..................................................................................................................... 14 
5.3. 
INCLUSION CRITERIA ....................................................................................................................... 15 
5.4. 
EXCLUSION CRITERIA ...................................................................................................................... 15 
5.5. 
LIFESTYLE GUIDELINES ................................................................................................................... 16 
5.6. 
SCREENING LOG ............................................................................................................................... 16 
6. 
CONSENT & REGISTRATION ........................................................................................................... 17 
6.1. 
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING INFORMED CONSENT ................................................................. 17 
6.2. 
STUDY REGISTRATION ..................................................................................................................... 17 
7. 
TRIAL ASSESSMENTS & DISPENSING SCHEDULE ...................................................................... 18 
7.1. 
PRE-REGISTRATION ASSESSMENTS ............................................................................................. 18 
7.1.1. 
WITHIN 21 DAYS PRIOR TO TRIAL REGISTRATION: ........................................................... 18 
7.2. 
BASELINE ASSESSMENTS – PRETREATMENT DAY 1 WEEK 1 ................................................... 18 
7.3. 
DAY 1 WEEK 3 .................................................................................................................................... 19 
7.4. 
DAY 1 WEEK 5: ................................................................................................................................... 19 
7.5. 
DAY 1 WEEK 8 .................................................................................................................................... 19 
7.6. 
DAY 1 WEEK 9 .................................................................................................................................... 20 
7.7. 
DAY 1 WEEK 13 (AND EVERY 4 WEEKS THEREAFTER UNTIL DISEASE PROGRESSION): ...... 20 
7.8. 
PROCEDURE IF PATIENT IS WITHDRAWN FROM AXITINIB TREATMENT .................................. 21 
7.9. 
PROCEDURE AT DISEASE PROGRESSION: ................................................................................... 21 
7.10. 
NEPHRECTOMY GUIDELINES .......................................................................................................... 21 
7.11. 
FOLLOW UP ........................................................................................................................................ 21 
7.12. 
WITHDRAWAL FROM TRIAL FOLLOW-UP ....................................................................................... 21 
7.13. 
SCHEDULE OF ASSESSMENTS ....................................................................................................... 22 
8. 
TRIAL TREATMENT ........................................................................................................................... 23 
8.1. 
THERAPEUTIC REGIMEN AND DOSE MODIFICATIONS ................................................................ 23 
8.2. 
AXITINIB DOSE LEVELS .................................................................................................................... 23 
8.3. 
DOSE ESCALATION SCHEDULE ...................................................................................................... 24 
8.4. 
DOSE INTERRUPTION AND REDUCTION ....................................................................................... 24 
8.4.1. 
CRITERIA FOR DOSE MODIFICATION FOR AXITINIB - RELATED ADVERSE EVENTS 
(OTHER THAN HYPERTENSION OR PROTEINURIA) .......................................................................... 24 
8.5. 
AXITINIB DOSE REDUCTION GUIDANCE FOR HYPERTENSION .................................................. 25 
8.6. 
AXITINIB DOSE REDUCTION FOR PROTEINURIA .......................................................................... 25 
8.7. 
DOSE RE-ESCALATION ..................................................................................................................... 25 
8.8. 
AXITINIB DOSE INTERRUPTION FOR SURGERY OR SURGICAL PROCEDURES ...................... 26 


 
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8.9. 
DURATION OF THERAPY .................................................................................................................. 26 
8.10. 
SUPPORTIVE CARE GUIDELINES .................................................................................................... 26 
8.11. 
CONCOMITANT THERAPY ................................................................................................................ 26 
8.12. 
SUBSEQUENT THERAPY .................................................................................................................. 27 
8.13. 
DRUG COMPLIANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ................................................................................ 27 
8.14. 
AXITINIB MANUFACTURER ............................................................................................................... 28 
8.15. 
PACKAGING AND LABELLING .......................................................................................................... 28 
8.16. 
DRUG STORAGE ................................................................................................................................ 28 
8.17. 
DISTRIBUTION OF DRUGS TO SITE ................................................................................................ 28 
8.18. 
PHARMACY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DRUG ACCOUNTABILITY .................................................. 28 
8.18.1. 
LABELLING ............................................................................................................................... 28 
8.18.2. 
ACCOUNTABILITY ................................................................................................................... 28 
8.19. 
PATIENT CARDS ................................................................................................................................ 29 
9. 
PHARMACOVIGILANCE .................................................................................................................... 29 
9.1. 
DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 29 
9.2. 
CAUSALITY ......................................................................................................................................... 30 
9.3. 
DEFINITIONS OF CAUSALITY ........................................................................................................... 30 
9.4. 
DEFINITIONS OF EXPECTEDNESS .................................................................................................. 31 
9.5. 
REPORTING SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS TO ICR-CTSU ............................................................ 31 
9.6. 
REVIEW OF SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS ...................................................................................... 31 
9.7. 
EXPEDITED REPORTING OF SUSARS ............................................................................................ 32 
9.8. 
FOLLOW UP OF SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS ............................................................................... 32 
9.9. 
ANNUAL REPORTING OF SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS ........................................................ 32 
9.9.1. 
FIGURE 3 - FLOW DIAGRAM FOR SAE REPORTING, AND ACTION FOLLOWING REPORT33 
10. 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................................... 33 
10.1. 
STATISTICAL DESIGN AND SAMPLE SIZE JUSTIFICATION .......................................................... 33 
10.2. 
ENDPOINT DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................. 34 
10.2.1. 
PRIMARY ENDPOINT ............................................................................................................... 34 
10.2.2. 
SECONDARY ENDPOINTS ...................................................................................................... 34 
10.2.3. 
EXPLORATORY ENDPOINT .................................................................................................... 35 
10.3. 
INTERIM ANALYSIS AND DATA MONITORING ................................................................................ 35 
11. 
TRIAL MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 36 
11.1. 
TRIAL MANAGEMENT GROUP (TMG) .............................................................................................. 36 
11.2. 
INDEPENDENT DATA MONITORING AND STEERING COMMITTEE (IDMSC) .............................. 36 
12. 
RESEARCH GOVERNANCE .............................................................................................................. 36 
12.1. 
SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 36 
12.2. 
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................ 36 
12.3. 
PFIZER RESPONSIBILITIES .............................................................................................................. 37 
13. 
TRIAL ADMINISTRATION & LOGISTICS .......................................................................................... 37 
13.1. 
SITE ACTIVATION .............................................................................................................................. 37 
13.2. 
DATA ACQUISITION ........................................................................................................................... 37 
13.3. 
CENTRAL DATA MONITORING ......................................................................................................... 38 
13.4. 
ON-SITE MONITORING ...................................................................................................................... 38 
13.5. 
COMPLETION OF THE STUDY AND DEFINITION OF STUDY END DATE ..................................... 38 
13.6. 
ARCHIVING ......................................................................................................................................... 38 
14. 
PATIENT PROTECTION AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................... 39 
14.1. 
PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY ............................................................................................................. 39 
14.2. 
DATA PROTECTION ACT (DPA) ........................................................................................................ 39 
14.3. 
LIABILITY ............................................................................................................................................. 39 
15. 
FINANCIAL MATTERS ....................................................................................................................... 39 
16. 
PUBLICATION POLICY ...................................................................................................................... 40 
17. 
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................... 41 
18. 
APPENDIX A: RECIST ....................................................................................................................... 43 
18.1. 
EVALUATION OF MEASURABLE AND NON-MEASURABLE LESIONS .......................................... 43 
18.2. 
BASELINE DOCUMENTATION OF TARGET AND NON-TARGET LESIONS .................................. 43 
18.3. 
RESPONSE CRITERIA ....................................................................................................................... 44 
18.3.1. 
DOCUMENTATION OF NEW LESIONS ................................................................................... 44 
18.3.2. 
LESIONS THAT BECOME ‘TOO SMALL TO MEASURE’ ........................................................ 44 
18.4. 
EVALUATION OF TARGET LESIONS ................................................................................................ 45 
18.5. 
EVALUATION OF NON-TARGET LESIONS ...................................................................................... 45 
18.6. 
EVALUATION OF OVERALL RESPONSE ......................................................................................... 46 
18.7. 
CONFIRMATION OF DISEASE PROGRESSION .............................................................................. 46 


 
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18.8. 
DURATION OF OVERALL RESPONSE ............................................................................................. 47 
18.9. 
DURATION OF STABLE DISEASE ..................................................................................................... 47 
18.10. EVALUATION OF BEST OVERALL RESPONSE ............................................................................... 47 
18.11. CENTRAL REVIEW ............................................................................................................................. 47 
19. 
APPENDIX B  TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH STUDIES ................................................................ 48 
19.1. 
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 48 
19.2. 
A-PREDICT LABORATORY MANUAL ................................................................................................ 48 
19.3. 
TISSUE ACQUISITION AND PROCESSING AT SITE ....................................................................... 48 
19.3.1. 
BASELINE PRIMARY TUMOUR TISSUE SAMPLE ................................................................. 48 
19.3.2. 
BASELINE BIOPSY OF METASTATIC SITES (OPTIONAL) ................................................... 48 
19.3.3. 
PRIMARY TUMOUR TISSUE SAMPLE AT 8 WEEKS ............................................................. 48 
19.3.4. 
TUMOUR TISSUE SAMPLE AT PROGRESSION .................................................................... 49 
19.3.5. 
NEPHRECTOMY SPECIMEN ................................................................................................... 49 
19.3.6. 
PALLIATIVE SURGERY SPECIMENS ..................................................................................... 49 
19.3.7. 
PARAFFIN EMBEDDED TISSUE SECTIONS .......................................................................... 49 
19.3.8. 
BLOOD AND URINE COLLECTION AND PROCESSING ....................................................... 49 
19.3.9. 
STORAGE AND COLLECTION OF SAMPLES ........................................................................ 50 
19.3.10. TRANSLATIONAL SAMPLE SCHEDULE ................................................................................. 51 
19.4. 
SAMPLE TRACKING ........................................................................................................................... 51 
19.4.1. 
TRACKING OF BASELINE SAMPLES FOR INELIGIBLE PATIENTS ..................................... 51 
19.5. 
EXPEDITED 
REPORTING 
OF 
FRESH 
TUMOUR 
TISSUE 
COLLECTION, 
PLANNED 
NEPHRECTOMY OR OTHER PALLIATIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURES ...................................................... 52 
19.6. 
SAMPLE PROCESSING AT THE FRANCIS CRICK INSTITUTE (FORMERLY THE LONDON 
RESEARCH INSTITUTE) ................................................................................................................................. 52 
19.6.1. 
CORE BIOPSY AND NEPHRECTOMY SPECIMENS .............................................................. 52 
19.7. 
ANALYSIS OF TUMOUR TISSUES .................................................................................................... 52 
19.7.1. 
RNA AND MIRNA EXPRESSION ANALYSIS ........................................................................... 52 
19.7.2. 
TUMOUR DNA SEQUENCE AND COPY NUMBER ANALYSIS .............................................. 53 
19.7.3. 
DATA ANALYSIS OF GENETIC HIGH-THROUGHPUT METHODS ....................................... 53 
19.7.4. 
TUMOUR IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY AND IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION ............................... 53 
19.8. 
ANALYSIS OF BLOOD SAMPLES ...................................................................................................... 53 
 


 
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7 
TRIAL SUMMARY 
PRODUCT 
Axitinib 
PROTOCOL NUMBER 
ICR-CTSU/2011/10033 
PROTOCOL TITLE 
A-PREDICT: A Phase II Study Of Axitinib In Metastatic 
Renal Cell Cancer in Patients Unsuitable for 
Nephrectomy 
TARGET DISEASE 
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) 
STUDY SITE 
UK wide  
PATIENT POPULATION 
Patients (n=99) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma of 
predominant clear cell histology who are not 
immediately clinically indicated for cytoreductive 
nephrectomy 
STUDY OBJECTIVES 
To evaluate efficacy, safety, toxicity and changes in 
biomarkers during therapy with axitinib 
STUDY DESIGN 
Single arm, open label, phase II, multicentre trial 
TREATMENT REGIMEN  
Oral axitinib twice a day. 5mg starting dose escalated 
to maximum of 10mg until disease progression 
PRIMARY ENDPOINT 
Freedom from progression at 6 months  
SECONDARY ENDPOINTS 
Safety, toxicity, changes in biomarkers, response rate, 
progression free and overall survival 
 
FOLLOW UP 
Day 1 of week 1, 3 and 5 and four weekly to six years 
with tumour staging on day 1 of of week 9, 17, 25 and 
12 weekly thereafter. After six years on treatment 
patients will be followed up every 12 weeks. All 
patients will be followed up until death or withdrawal of 
consent for further follow up.  


 
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8 
 
TRANSLATIONAL STUDY  
SAMPLE COLLECTION 
 
Pre-registration (up to 14 days prior to 
commencing treatment) 
Percutaneous image guided biopsy of non-necrotic 
region of primary renal tumour (and one metastatic 
site if possible).  
Baseline – pre-treatment day 1 week 1 
 Two blood samples  
 Urine sample  
 
Day 1 week 9 
 Percutaneous image guided biopsy of non-
necrotic region of primary renal tumour – axitinib 
to be stopped one week prior to biopsy 
 Two blood samples  
 Urine sample  
 
At disease progression 
 Image guided biopsy of site of progression or, if 
not possible, percutaneous primary renal tumour 
biopsy, one week after stopping axitinib and prior 
to commencement of any subsequent treatment 
 Two blood samples  
 Urine sample  
 
 
 
 


 
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TRIAL SCHEMA 
Patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma not immediately clinically indicated for 
nephrectomy 
Screening assessments to include: 
Physical examination, laboratory investigations, CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis and 
tumour assessment using RECIST 1.1 criteria, image guided tumour biopsy and 
confirmation of histological diagnosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma  
Baseline Pre-treatment Day 1 Week 1 assessments to include: 
 Physical examination, laboratory investigations and blood and urine samples for 
biomarker analysis 
Follow up at day 1 week 3, day 1 week 5 and four weekly thereafter to six years, to include: 
Physical examination, laboratory investigations and assessment of compliance with study 
medication 
 
In addition on day 1 week 9: 
CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis and tumour assessment using RECIST 1.1 criteria 
Percutaneous image guided biopsy of non-necrotic region of primary renal tumour (axitinib 
to be stopped one week prior to biopsy). Blood and urine samples for biomarker analysis 
Subsequent CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis and tumour assessment using RECIST 1.1 
criteria to be conducted day 1 week 9, day 1 week 17, day 1 week 25 and 12 weekly 
thereafter. From six years on treatment onwards, physical examination, laboratory 
investigations and assessment of compliance with study medication should take place 12 
weekly. 
Physical examination, laboratory investigations, image guided biopsy of site of 
progression or, if not possible, primary tumour biopsy, blood and urine samples.  
Follow up for survival status 
Informed consent obtained 
Patient registered into trial 
Oral axitinib twice a day until disease progression 
Disease progression - Discontinue axitinib 


 
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1. INTRODUCTION 
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is diagnosed in around 8,500 patients and accounts for approximately 3% of 
malignant disease annually in the UK [1].  Many patients initially present with advanced or unresectable 
disease and up to 30% of patients treated by nephrectomy with curative intent for localised disease will 
relapse [2].  The 5-year survival rate for metastatic RCC (mRCC) is less than 10%.  Historically the prognosis 
for metastatic RCC was poor with a median survival of 6-8 months [3] and reported response rates to 
chemotherapy [4] and hormonal agents [5] have been of the order of only 5-10%.  Approximately half of RCC 
tumours have mutations in the Von Hippel-Lindau gene (VHL).  VHL loss increases expression of the 
hypoxia-inducible factor alpha transcription factors (HIF-1α and HIF-2α).  These factors regulate the 
expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other molecules implicated in angiogenesis and 
invasion.  These pathways are important in the pathophysiology of RCC although their roles are not fully 
understood. 
1.1. SURGICAL TREATMENT OF METASTATIC RENAL CELL CARCINOMA 
Nephrectomy is the mainstay of curative treatment for renal cell carcinoma and has also been shown to be of 
palliative benefit in metastatic disease. Two phase III trials, European Organization Research and Treatment 
of Cancer 30947 [6] and SouthWest Oncology Group 8949 [7], have demonstrated a survival benefit for 
nephrectomy followed by interferon versus interferon alone in patients with histologically confirmed 
progressive renal cell carcinoma and good performance status at presentation.  Nephrectomy is generally a 
relatively safe and well-tolerated operation in experienced hands: a report from Memorial Sloan Kettering 
Cancer Centre (MSKCC) of 692 radical nephrectomies for renal cell cancer performed between 1995 and 
2002 quotes a 3% procedure-related complication rate and 0.2% procedure-related mortality [8]. 
1.2. MEDICAL TREATMENT OF METASTATIC RENAL CELL CARCINOMA 
Metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma generally is resistant to chemotherapy.  Cytokine-based therapies have 
been used in the treatment of metastatic RCC but with limited anti-tumour effect.  For example, interferon-α 
(IFN-α) has a response rate of approximately 10–15% in appropriately selected individuals with favourable or 
intermediate risk as per the MSKCC scoring system [9, 10]. 
Randomised trials reported in the last 5 years have demonstrated that a number of agents such as the 
monoclonal antibody bevacizumab [11, 12] and the kinase inhibitors everolimus [13], sorafenib [14],  
pazopanib [15], sunitinib [16] and temsirolimus [17] are active in advanced RCC.  Bevacizumab is directed 
against VEGF, a key mediator of angiogenesis, whilst sorafenib, pazopanib and sunitinib inhibit a number of 
targets including the VEGF and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGFR) receptor tyrosine kinases.  
Everolimus and temsirolimus inhibit the intracellular mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase.  
Sunitinib [16] and temsirolimus [17] have demonstrated efficacy in comparison with immunotherapy in the 1st 
line setting in patients with favourable and poor risk advanced disease respectively.  Sorafenib has 
demonstrated efficacy in comparison with placebo in the 2nd line setting in patients with immunotherapy-
refractory disease [14].  Everolimus is active in patients that have progressed despite therapy with sorafenib 
or sunitinib [13]. 
1.3. PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH METASTATIC DISEASE NOT CLINICALLY INDICATED FOR 
NEPHRECTOMY 
A significant number of patients presenting with metastatic disease are not treated with palliative 
nephrectomy.  There are a number of reasons for this including comorbidity, technically inoperable disease, 
the presence of a significant volume of metastatic disease, the presence of metastatic disease in multiple or 
particular sites (e.g. liver) and the presence of other poor risk factors e.g. serum LDH>ULN, hypercalcaemia, 
anaemia and poor performance status (PS). Outcomes are generally extremely poor in this group.  The 
strongest evidence base for systemic treatment in this group is for the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus, a drug 
not approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for use in the UK. In a phase 
III study [17] patients with at least 3 of 6 poor risk factors (time from diagnosis of metastatic disease to 


 
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therapy <12 months, 2 or more organ sites of metastatic disease, poor PS, raised LDH, hypercalcaemia or 
anaemia) were randomized to interferon, temsirolimus or the combination of the drugs.  Approximately a third 
of patients had not undergone prior nephrectomy. Outcomes were best in the temsirolimus only group, 
compared to the interferon and combination groups, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 5.5 
months and median overall survival (OS) of 10.9 months; as a consequence, temsirolimus is the preferred 
treatment choice in this group. Patients in this group in the UK may be offered either sunitinib (despite the 
fact that the evidence base for its use in this group is limited) or best supportive care alone. There is a clear 
need for improved outcomes in this group of patients and to identify mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance 
to VEGF-targeted therapy. 
1.4. AXITINIB 
Axitinib is a potent oral VEGFR2 and 3 inhibitor at picomolar concentrations and VEGFR1, PDGFRs and c-
KIT inhibitor at low nanomolar concentrations. In phase II clinical trials, axitinib has shown efficacy in 
sorafenib and cytokine refractory mRCC patients.  A recently reported phase III trial, showed superiority over 
sorafenib as second line therapy [18], leading to the licensing of axitinib in this indication by the US Food and 
Drug Administration (FDA) agency in January 2012.  Axitinib was subsequently licensed for the same 
indication by the European Medicines Agency. Furthermore, the efficacy of axitinib is under evaluation in 
other tumour types, and has shown activity in  lung [19], thyroid [20],  and pancreatic [21] cancers,  and 
melanoma [22].  
1.4.1. PRECLINICAL DATA 
In vitro, axitinib inhibits cellular phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and 3 with an IC50 of about 0.2 nmol/L. It has a 
higher IC50 for VEGFR1 (1.2 nmol/L), PDGFR-β (1.6 nmol/L), PDGFR-α (5 nmol/L) and c-KIT (1.7 nmol/L). It 
reduces phosphorylation of downstream signalling molecules mediated by VEGF in a rapid and dose-
dependent manner, including Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and extracellular signal regulated kinase 
(ERK). 
In mouse xenografts, twice daily oral axitinib inhibited the primary tumour and controlled metastases in 
human melanoma (M24mwt), colorectal cancer (HCT-116) and RCC (SN12C) models. Within axitinib treated 
tumours, there was reduced CD31 and Ki-67 staining and increased caspase-3 staining.    Microscopic 
examination of tumour vasculature in preclinical models of pancreatic islet cell tumours and Lewis lung 
carcinomas has shown that axitinib reduces patency and flow. Axitinib has the greatest effects on endothelial 
cells and fenestrated vessels, resulting in normalisation of the surviving tumour vasculature. 
1.5. HUMAN STUDIES OF AXITINIB 
1.5.1. EFFICACY - PHASE I 
In an initial phase I study, 3 of 36 patients had partial responses determined by Response Evaluation Criteria 
in Solid Tumours (RECIST) including 2 patients with RCC and 1 patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma [23]. 
In a Japanese phase I trial, none of 12 recruited patients had a partial response but 3 patients had stable 
disease at 24 weeks, seen in one patient each with colorectal carcinoma, thymic cancer and non-small cell 
lung cancer (NSCLC) [24]. 
1.5.2. EFFICACY - PHASE II: AXITINIB IN CYTOKINE-REFRACTORY METASTATIC RCC 
In a single arm, open label, phase II trial in cytokine-refractory mRCC, axitinib was administered at a starting 
dose of 5mg twice daily in the fasted state as 28 day treatment cycles until disease progression or significant 
toxicity [25]. Fifty-two patients were recruited with a median age of 59 years and performance status 0 or 1. 
Forty-nine patients (95%) had previously undergone a nephrectomy and none of the patients had previously 
received TKIs. All patients had clear cell histology, except one patient who had papillary carcinoma.  


 
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The objective response rate (ORR) was 44.2% (95% CI: 30.5-58.7%); there were 2 complete and 21 partial 
responses. Twenty-two patients had stable disease for at least 8 weeks, including the patient with papillary 
carcinoma. Four patients had early progression and 3 patients could not be assessed for response. The 
median TTP was 15.7 months and median overall survival was 29.9 months. The median duration of axitinib 
therapy was 9.4 months and median dose was 8.83 mg/day, as 15 patients had dose reductions for adverse 
events including fatigue, hypertension and diarrhoea. Axitinib was discontinued due to adverse events in ten 
patients. The most frequent grade 1-4 axitinib related adverse events were diarrhoea, hypertension, fatigue, 
nausea and hoarseness. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were hypertension (15.4%), diarrhoea 
(9.6%) and fatigue (7.7%). Thirty patients had axitinib induced hypertension, eight of whom had grade 3-4 
hypertension. Hypertension was resistant to anti-hypertensive therapy in 8 patients, seven of whom had 
hypertension at baseline. There were no detectable haematological toxicities. Four patients had treatment 
related proteinuria which resolved once axitinib was stopped. 
1.5.3. EFFICACY - PHASE II: AXITINIB IN SORAFENIB REFRACTORY METASTATIC RCC 
In a single arm, open label, phase II study, patients with sorafenib refractory mRCC received a starting dose 
of axitinib 5mg twice daily with food until disease progression or unmanageable toxicity [26]. Sixty-two 
patients were recruited; all had undergone prior nephrectomy and 59 patients had clear cell /mixed histology. 
Median age was 60 years and all patients were PS 0 or 1. The most common prior therapies in addition to 
sorafenib were sunitinib and cytokine therapy, received by 14 (22.6%) and 38 (61.3%) patients, respectively. 
 
The ORR was 22.6% (95% CI 12.9-35.0%), with 14 patients experiencing a partial response and no 
complete responses. Tumour responses were observed in patients who received 5 mg twice daily or higher, 
and also in patients whose dose was reduced to below 5 mg twice daily. Patients who had a partial response 
received doses ranging from <4mg to 9-10mg twice daily.  Eleven patients (17.8%) had stable disease. The 
median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.4 months (95% CI 6.7-11.0 months) and median OS was 13.6 
months (95% CI 8.4-18.8 months). 
The most common grade 3-4 adverse events included hypertension (16.1%), fatigue (16.1%), hand-foot 
syndrome (16.1%), dyspnoea (14.5%) and diarrhoea (14.5%). Twelve patients stopped axitinib due to 
treatment related adverse events. Two patients developed congestive heart failure, both of whom had a 
history of cardiovascular disease, and two patients had cerebral haemorrhages during the study. One of the 
latter patients was subsequently diagnosed with a cerebral metastasis at the site of haemorrhage. Most 
haematological toxicities were mild or moderate (grade 1 or 2) except grade 3 lymphopaenia experienced by 
9 of  55 evaluable patients (16.4%). 
1.5.4. SAFETY AND TOLERABILITY - PHASE I 
The primary dose limiting toxicity in the initial phase I trial was hypertension[23]; in most cases it responded 
to anti-hypertensive therapy and resolved after axitinib was stopped. The incidence and severity of 
hypertension was dose-dependent, all patients with axitinib-induced hypertension at dose 5mg twice daily 
were managed with standard anti-hypertensives. Prior to blood pressure monitoring two patients had 
uncomplicated seizures in the absence of brain metastases at doses 10mg and 20mg twice daily, these may 
have been related to hypertensive crises.  
Three bleeding events were reported during the phase I study. A patient with central NSCLC had a fatal 
haemoptysis attributed to axitinib. A patient with peripheral NSCLC had grade 1 haemoptysis while taking 
axitinib which was subsequently stopped. Two weeks later the patient had grade 4 haemoptysis and died, 
this patient’s death was reported as secondary to disease progression and concurrent infection. Finally, there 
was 1 episode of grade 1 rectal bleeding. 
Asymptomatic proteinuria was detected in seven of the first ten patients. Consequently, patients with 
proteinuria >0.5gram/24 hours were not recruited and treatment reviews were required for all patients with 
proteinuria ≥1gram/24 hours. These amendments reduced the incidence and severity of proteinuria. 


 
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Thrombocytopenia was the only haematological toxicity in the phase I trial, with grade 2 thrombocytopenia 
affecting one patient taking 20mg twice daily. 
1.5.5. SAFETY AND TOLERABILITY - PHASE II 
The commonest non-haematological adverse events grade 1-4 reported in phase II axitinib monotherapy 
trials were hypertension, fatigue, diarrhoea, anorexia, nausea and hoarseness. The main grade 3-4 adverse 
events were similar, except hand-foot syndrome and proteinuria were also reported. Most adverse events 
were manageable. Hypertension usually responded to anti-hypertensive therapy and resolved once axitinib 
was stopped.  
The starting dose in all but one of the phase 2 studies conducted to date was 5mg twice daily of axitinib. In 
one metastatic breast cancer study, axitinib dose was titrated up from a starting dose of 5mg twice daily in 1–
3mg increments in patients tolerating axitinib. Those subjects who could tolerate axitinib with no adverse 
events related to axitinib above CTCAE grade 2 for consecutive 2 week periods were permitted to increase 
their dose step-wise to 7mg twice daily and then to 10mg twice daily, unless their BP was >150/90mm Hg or 
the subject was receiving antihypertensive medication. All studies ongoing at the time of writing allow axitinib 
dose reductions to as low as 2mg twice daily for treatment-related adverse events. Except for an increase in 
hand-foot syndrome and slight increase in the incidence of hypertension, it appears that patients whose dose 
is titrated to between 6-10mg twice daily doses do not experience increased toxicities if they have previously 
tolerated 5mg twice daily starting dose.  Axitinib dose titration will be permitted within A-PREDICT, consistent 
with previous clinical trial protocols and the drug development programme for axitinib. 
1.6. A-PREDICT STUDY RATIONALE  
Patients presenting with metastatic RCC not immediately clinically indicated for nephrectomy constitute a 
very poor prognosis group with limited treatment options.  The strongest evidence base for systemic therapy 
in this group is for the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus but a potent VEGFR kinase inhibitor has never been 
prospectively evaluated. 
Axitinib is well tolerated and has demonstrated a high response rate in metastatic RCC but the mechanisms 
of sensitivity and resistance to treatment in vivo remain to be established.  A clinical trial of axitinib in patients 
with metastatic RCC where immediate cytoreductive nephrectomy is not suitable offers an opportunity to 
evaluate a potent VEGFR kinase inhibitor in this setting. Furthermore, pre-treatment and on treatment 
biopsies will be obtained and compared using the functional genomics approach developed by the PREDICT 
Consortium[27].  Targets for axitinib in RCC in vivo can thereby be identified and changes in biomarkers 
correlated with both response to treatment and toxicity. If significant activity is seen in the primary lesion then 
there may be a role for axitinib in the primary medical therapy of locally advanced renal cell carcinoma. 
2. TRIAL OBJECTIVES 
2.1. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE 
The primary clinical objective of this study is to define the activity of axitinib given to patients with metastatic 
renal cell carcinoma where cytoreductive nephrectomy is not immediately clinically indicated. 
2.2. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES 
The secondary objectives of this study are to determine toxicity, response to treatment, proportion of patients 
that become suitable for nephrectomy, progression free and overall survival. 
2.3. EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES 
The exploratory objectives of this study are to: 
- 
correlate changes in biomarkers with toxicity, response to treatment and survival. 


 
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- 
investigate any effect of treatment on the extent of inferior vena cava (IVC) venous tumour thrombus 
(VTT) 
3. TRIAL DESIGN 
A-PREDICT is a single arm, single agent, open label, multicentre, phase II study of axitinib in patients with 
metastatic renal cell carcinoma of predominant clear cell histology and not immediately clinically indicated for 
debulking nephrectomy (as judged by the treating clinician).  
Patients who have provided consent and have satisfied the eligibility criteria will be registered into the trial.  
The starting dose of axitinib will be 5 mg twice daily by mouth, escalating to a maximum of 10mg twice daily 
by mouth according to tolerability of treatment, for as long as patients are deriving clinical benefit. Treatment 
will be paused for one week prior to the week 9 biopsy. Disease progression will be evaluated according to 
RECIST v1.1 criteria 8 weeks after commencing treatment, at 8 weekly intervals to 6 months and 3 monthly 
thereafter. Blood and tumour tissue samples will be taken prior to and during therapy to evaluate biomarkers 
of treatment response.  Nephrectomy will be carried out on any patient who becomes suitable in the opinion 
of the treating clinician during the course of the trial. Where possible, tissue samples will be taken from 
resected specimens.  Response to axitinib in marker lesions will be correlated with changes in biomarkers. 
4. STUDY ENDPOINTS 
4.1. PRIMARY ENDPOINT 
 
The proportion of patients treated with axitinib who are free from disease progression 6 months from 
the commencement of treatment according to RECIST v1.1 criteria [28]  
4.2. SECONDARY ENDPOINTS 
 
Best overall response  
 
Progression free survival 
 
Overall survival 
 
Safety and toxicity of axitinib (by NCI CTC grading version 4 [29]) 
 
Number of patients who become suitable for nephrectomy as a consequence of therapy with axitinib 
4.3. EXPLORATORY ENDPOINTS 
 
Molecular and pathological changes in biomarkers as a consequence of axitinib therapy 
 
Effect of axitinib therapy on extent of venous tumour thrombus in the inferior vena cava 
5. PATIENT SELECTION & ELIGIBILITY 
5.1. NUMBER OF PATIENTS 
The aim is to recruit 99 participants. 
5.2. SOURCE OF PATIENTS 
Potential participants are those for whom an immediate cytoreductive nephrectomy is not clinically indicated.  
This may include patients with unresectable primary tumours, those with a large metastatic burden or those 
unfit for nephrectomy.  Participants will be identified in oncology clinics and discussed at Multi-Disciplinary 
Team (MDT) meetings. 


 
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5.3. INCLUSION CRITERIA 
1. Histologically confirmed metastatic renal cell carcinoma of predominant clear cell histology 
2. Not immediately clinically indicated for cytoreductive nephrectomy as judged by treating clinician(s) 
3. Not suitable for ‘watch and wait’ policy as determined by treating clinician(s) 
4. No prior systemic therapy for renal cell carcinoma 
5. Measurable metastatic disease using RECIST v1.1 (see Appendix A) 
6. 18 years of age or older  
7. Life expectancy of 12 weeks or greater 
8. ECOG performance status 0 or 1 
9. Adequate organ function as defined by serum aspartate transaminase (AST) or serum alanine 
transaminase (ALT) ≤2.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN), or AST or ALT ≤5 x ULN if liver function 
abnormalities are due to liver metastases; total serum bilirubin ≤1.5 x ULN  
10. Adequate haematological function as defined by absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1500/µL, platelets 
≥75,000/µL, haemoglobin ≥9.0 g/dL and prothrombin time (PT) ≤1.5 x ULN  
11. Serum creatinine ≤1.5 x ULN or calculated creatinine clearance ≥ 60 mL/min; 
12. Urinary protein <2+ by urine dipstick. If dipstick is ≥2+ then a 24-hour urine collection can be done 
and the patient may enter only if urinary protein is <2g per 24 hours.  
13. No evidence of pre-existing uncontrolled hypertension as documented by 2 baseline blood pressure 
readings taken at least 1 hour apart. At least one of the baseline systolic blood pressure readings 
must be ≤150 mm Hg, and one of the baseline diastolic blood pressure readings must be ≤90 mm 
Hg. Patients whose hypertension is controlled by antihypertensive therapies are eligible.  
14. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative serum or urine pregnancy test within 3 days 
prior to treatment.  
15. Willingness and ability to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plans, laboratory tests, and other 
study procedures, including tumour biopsies. 
16. Written informed consent 
5.4. EXCLUSION CRITERIA 
1. The presence of intracranial disease, unless there has been radiological evidence of stable 
intracranial disease >6 months. In the case of a solitary brain metastasis which has been resected, 
there must be evidence of a disease-free interval of at least 3 months post-surgery.  All patients 
previously treated for brain metastases must be stable off corticosteroid therapy for at least 28 days.  
2. The presence of active second malignancy.  Patients will be eligible if they have adequately treated 
basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell skin cancer, in situ cervical cancer, stable prostate cancer or if 
treated with curative intent for any other cancer with no evidence of disease for 2 years. 
3. Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding.  Female patients must be surgically sterile, be 
postmenopausal, or must agree to use effective contraception during the period of therapy.  All 
female patients with reproductive potential must have a negative pregnancy test (serum or urine) 
prior to enrolment.   
4. Male patients must be surgically sterile or must agree to use effective contraception during the 
period of therapy. 


 
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5. Current signs or symptoms of severe progressive or uncontrolled hepatic, endocrine, pulmonary 
disease other than directly related to RCC. 
6. Gastrointestinal abnormalities including:  
a. inability to take oral medication;  
b. requirement for intravenous alimentation;  
c. prior surgical procedures affecting absorption including total gastric resection;  
d. treatment for active peptic ulcer disease in the past 6 months;  
e. active gastrointestinal bleeding, unrelated to cancer, as evidenced by hematemesis, 
hematochezia or melena in the past 3 months without evidence of resolution documented by 
endoscopy or colonoscopy;  
f. 
malabsorption syndromes.  
7. Current use or anticipated need for treatment with drugs that are known potent CYP3A4 inhibitors 
(see section 8.12, concomitant therapy).  
8. Current use or anticipated need for treatment with drugs that are known CYP3A4 or CYP1A2 
inducers (see section 8.11, concomitant therapy).  
9. Requirement of anticoagulant therapy with oral vitamin K antagonists. Low-dose anticoagulants for 
maintenance of patency of central venous access device or prevention of deep venous thrombosis is 
allowed. Therapeutic use of low molecular weight heparin is allowed.  
10. Active seizure disorder, spinal cord compression, or carcinomatous meningitis.   
11. Any of the following within 12 months prior to study entry: myocardial infarction, uncontrolled angina, 
coronary/peripheral artery bypass graft, symptomatic congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular 
accident or transient ischemic attack. 
12. Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism within 6 months prior to study entry.          
13. Known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related 
illness.  
14. Known galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption 
5.5. LIFESTYLE GUIDELINES 
During the study female patients of childbearing potential must take precautions to prevent pregnancy since 
the effects of axitinib on the foetus are unknown. Male patients with partners of childbearing potential must 
take precautions to prevent pregnancy of the partner since the effects of the drug on sperm are unknown. 
These restrictions should remain in force for 6 months from the last dose of axitinib. Drug interaction studies 
with oral contraceptives have not been performed, so barrier methods of contraception or abstinence should 
be considered. Adequate contraception should be discussed with the physician before the treatment starts. 
The definition of adequate contraception is a double barrier contraception (i.e., condom plus spermicide in 
combination with a female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap or intrauterine device). 
5.6. SCREENING LOG 
All participating sites will be required to keep a log of all patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma 
discussed at MDT who are not immediately clinically indicated for cytoreductive nephrectomy.  The 
information collected on the log will include: 
 
Date patient identified 


 
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17 
 
Screening outcome (patient approached/ineligible/accepted participation/declined participation) 
 
Reasons for not approaching / declining participation (if available) 
 
Trial ID (if applicable) 
This information will be used by the TMG to monitor recruitment activity.  No patient identifiable data will be 
sent to ICR-CTSU at this stage. 
6. CONSENT & REGISTRATION 
6.1. PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING INFORMED CONSENT 
The Principal Investigator (or designated individual) should discuss the trial with potentially eligible patients, 
describing the purpose, alternatives, drug administration plan, research objectives and follow-up of the study.  
Patients will be provided with a Research Ethics Committee approved patient information sheet and consent 
form for review and given sufficient time and a minimum of 24 hours to consider participation in the study.  
Once a decision has been made to enter into the trial, a signature should be obtained from the patient to 
confirm consent.  Consent should be obtained before any trial specific assessments prescribed by the 
protocol are performed. 
6.2. STUDY REGISTRATION 
Registration should take place as close to the planned start date of axitinib as possible.    
Participants will be registered centrally with the Institute of Cancer Research Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit 
(ICR-CTSU). An eligibility and registration checklist must be completed prior to registration.   
The following information will be required at registration: 
 
Name of hospital, consultant and person registering patient 
 
Confirmation that patient has given written informed consent for trial participation and the provision 
of biological samples 
 
Confirmation that patient is eligible for the trial by completion of the eligibility checklist 
 
Patient’s full name, hospital number, date of birth, postcode and NHS/CHI number (or equivalent) 
 
Date of diagnosis of metastatic RCC 
 
Proposed start date of axitinib 
 
The caller will be given the patient’s unique registration number (Trial ID). The Trial ID together with the 
patient’s initials and date of birth should be used on all Case Report Forms (CRFs).  
To register a patient telephone: 
ICR Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) 
The Institute of Cancer Research 
020 8643 7150 
09.00-17.00 (UK time) Monday to Friday 


 
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All registered A-PREDICT participants will receive axitinib therapy (see Section 8 - TRIAL treatment). 
Written confirmation will be sent by fax to the data management contact and pharmacist at the registering 
centre to confirm trial entry. 
7. TRIAL ASSESSMENTS & DISPENSING SCHEDULE 
7.1. PRE-REGISTRATION ASSESSMENTS  
The following screening procedures must be performed  
7.1.1. WITHIN 21 DAYS PRIOR TO TRIAL REGISTRATION: 
 
Medical history  
 
Physical examination including ECOG performance status, body weight, height, temperature, blood 
pressure measurement (repeated twice as per inclusion criteria), heart rate, respiratory rate 
 
Haematology, coagulation, glucose, renal and liver function, serum calcium and LDH 
 
Urinalysis for protein 
 
Serum Thyroid Function Tests (Free T4 and TSH) 
 
Pregnancy test (serum or urine), if female and of child-bearing potential  
 
Baseline symptom assessment (NCI CTCAE v.4) 
 
CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis and tumour assessment using RECIST 1.1 criteria. CT must be 
conducted prior to the research biopsy. 
 
Mandatory percutaneous biopsy of non-necrotic region of primary renal tumour under ultrasound or 
CT guidance (see Appendix B  Translational research studies) 
 
If possible, percutaneous biopsy of one metastatic site under ultrasound or CT guidance (see 
Appendix B  Translational research studies).   
 
Histological confirmation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma from either site (if not previously 
confirmed)*. 
 
Assessment of concomitant medications 
*NB If a patient consents to donate research biopsies but is subsequently found to be ineligible, these 
research biopsies should be notified to ICR-CTSU as described in Section 19.4.1 of the protocol: Tracking of 
baseline samples for ineligible patients 
7.2. BASELINE ASSESSMENTS – PRETREATMENT DAY 1 WEEK 1 
The following must be performed on day 1 week 1 prior to starting the study drug unless conducted within 
previous 7 days as part of pre-registration assessments:  
 
Physical examination including ECOG performance status, body weight, temperature, blood 
pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate 
 
Haematology, coagulation, glucose, renal and liver function, serum calcium and LDH 
 
Urinalysis for protein 


 
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 
Symptom assessment (NCI CTCAE v.4) 
 
Blood samples and urine sample for biomarker analysis (see Appendix B) 
 
Assessment of concomitant medications 
 
Pregnancy test if not conducted within 3 days of starting treatment 
Dispense axitinib to patient (see section 8) 
7.3. DAY 1 WEEK 3 
The following investigations should be conducted on day 1 of week 3 (+/- 72hrs): 
 
Physical examination including ECOG performance status, body weight, temperature, blood 
pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate 
 
Symptom assessment (NCI CTCAE v.4) 
 
Serum Thyroid Function Tests (Free T4 and TSH) 
 
Assessment of concomitant medications 
NB. If the participant has any axitinib treatment interruptions ≥ 1 week, please contact the trials office for 
advice on scheduling of subsequent follow up and research biopsy. 
7.4. DAY 1 WEEK 5: 
The following investigations should be conducted on day 1 of week 5 (+/- 72 hrs): 
 
Physical examination including ECOG performance status, body weight, temperature, blood 
pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate 
 
Haematology, coagulation, glucose, renal and liver function, serum calcium and LDH 
 
Urinalysis for protein 
 
Symptom assessment (NCI CTCAE v.4) 
 
Assessment of compliance with study medication 
 
Serum Thyroid Function Tests (Free T4 and TSH) 
 
Assessment of concomitant medications 
NB. If the participant has any axitinib treatment interruptions ≥ 1 week, please contact the trials office for 
advice on scheduling of subsequent follow up and research biopsy. 
Dispense axitinib to patient (see section 8) 
7.5. DAY 1 WEEK 8 
Patient should be instructed to stop axitinib 5-7 days prior to biopsy (after 7 weeks of treatment) 
NB. If the participant has any axitinib treatment interruptions ≥ 1 week, please contact the trials office for 
advice on scheduling of subsequent follow up and research biopsy. 


 
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7.6. DAY 1 WEEK 9 
The following investigations/assessments should be conducted on day 1 week 9 (+/- 72 hrs): 
 
Physical examination including ECOG performance status, body weight, temperature, blood 
pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate 
 
Haematology, coagulation, glucose, renal and liver function, serum calcium and LDH 
 
Urinalysis for protein 
 
Symptom assessment (NCI CTCAE v.4) 
 
Blood samples and urine sample for biomarker analysis (see Appendix B) 
 
CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis and assessment of response according to RECIST 1.1 criteria. 
 
Percutaneous biopsy of non-necrotic region of primary renal tumour (from same site as first biopsy if 
possible) via appropriate (US or CT) guidance (see Appendix B) 
 
Assessment of compliance with study medication (see section 8)  
 
Assessment of concomitant medications 
Dispense axitinib, with instructions to patient to start 2-3 days after biopsy (see section 8) 
NB: CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis should be carried out prior to biopsy 
7.7. DAY 1 WEEK 13 (AND EVERY 4 WEEKS TO SIX YEARS/DISEASE PROGRESSION): 
The following investigations should be conducted on of day 1 (+/- 72 hrs) of each 4-weekly visit.  
 
Physical examination including ECOG performance status, body weight, temperature, blood 
pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate 
 
Haematology, coagulation, glucose, renal and liver function, serum calcium and LDH 
 
Urinalysis  
 
Serum Thyroid Function Tests (Free T4 and TSH) should be conducted every 8 weeks from day 1 
week 13 
 
Symptom assessment (NCI CTCAE v.4) 
 
Assessment of compliance with study medication (see section 8)  
 
Assessment of concomitant medications 
Dispense axitinib to patient (see section 8) 
After six years on treatment, the above investigations and assessments should be conducted every 12 
weeks. 
In addition, on day 1 week 17, day 1 week 25, and 12 weekly thereafter:  
 
CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis and assessment of response according to RECIST 1.1 criteria. 


 
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7.8. PROCEDURE IF PATIENT IS WITHDRAWN FROM AXITINIB TREATMENT  
 
CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis and assessment of response according to RECIST 1.1 criteria prior 
to commencement of any subsequent treatment 
7.9. PROCEDURE AT DISEASE PROGRESSION: 
Axitinib therapy should be continued until there is clinically significant disease progression, after which 
treatment should be discontinued and the following investigations should be conducted. 
 
Physical examination including ECOG performance status, body weight, temperature, blood 
pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate 
 
Haematology, coagulation, glucose, renal and liver function, serum calcium and LDH 
 
Toxicity assessment (NCI CTCAE v.4) 
 
CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis and assessment of response according to RECIST 1.1 criteria prior 
to commencement of any subsequent treatment 
 
Blood samples and urine sample for biomarker analysis (see Appendix B) 
 
Biopsy of site of progression, or if not possible, percutaneous primary tumour biopsy via appropriate 
(US or CT) guidance (see Appendix B), one week after stopping axitinib treatment.  Biopsy should 
be taken prior to commencement of any subsequent treatment. 
 
Assessment of concomitant medications 
7.10. 
NEPHRECTOMY GUIDELINES 
Nephrectomy should be offered to any participant who becomes suitable in the opinion of the treating 
clinician during the course of the trial.  Where possible, tissue samples should be provided from resected 
specimens (see Appendix B). 
Axitinib must be stopped 5-7 days prior to nephrectomy.  Patients may resume axitinib 2-3 weeks after 
nephrectomy. The decision to resume axitinib after any major surgical procedure, including nephrectomy, 
should be based on clinical judgement of adequate wound healing. 
CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis and assessment with RECIST v1.1 criteria should be conducted within 21 
days following surgery, and this scan should be used to provide a new baseline for subsequent response 
assessment. 
7.11. 
FOLLOW UP  
Patients should be followed up for survival and performance status every 12 weeks after treatment 
discontinuation. 
7.12. 
 WITHDRAWAL FROM TRIAL FOLLOW-UP 
If a patient withdraws consent for further follow-up clarification should be sought to as to whether they no 
longer wish to attend trial specific follow up visits or wish to stop contributing further data to the study. In the 
unlikely event that the patient wishes to have their data removed from the trial completely (the implications of 
this should be discussed with the patient to ensure that this is their intent) this should be indicated on the 
relevant case report form and notified to the trial manager at ICR-CTSU. 


 
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22 
7.13. 
SCHEDULE OF ASSESSMENTS 
 * Day 1 week 1 assessments may be omitted if conducted within previous 7 days as part of pre-registration assessments (apart from pregnancy test) 
 # Subsequent visits to take place 4 weekly thereafter to six years, after which they should take place 12 weekly. 
Visit/Assessment 
Up to 21 days 
Pre-registration 
Pre-treatment 
day 1 week 1* 
Day 1 week 3 
Day 1 week 5 
Day 1 Week 8 
Day 1 week 9 
Day 1 week 13 
Day 1 week 17 
Day 1 week 21 
Day 1 week 25# 
Disease 
progression 
Confirmation of histological diagnosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical history 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Physical examination including ECOG performance status, body weight, 
height, temperature, blood pressure7, heart rate, respiratory rate 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Haematology, coagulation, glucose, renal and liver function, serum calcium 
and LDH 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Urinalysis for protein  
X 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
Symptom assessment (NCI CTCAE v.4) 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Serum Thyroid Function Tests (Free T4 and TSH) 
X 
 
X 
X 
 
 
X4 
 
X 
 
 
Pregnancy test (serum or urine) if applicable 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis and tumour assessment using RECIST 1.1 
criteria 
X1 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X5 
X 
Percutaneous image guided biopsy of non-necrotic region of primary renal 
tumour and possibly one metastatic site (see Appendix B) 
X2 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
X6 
Blood samples and urine sample for biomarker analysis (Appendix B) 
 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
X 
Assessment of compliance with study medication 
 
 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
Dispense axitinib 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X3 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
Stop axitinib 5-7 days prior to biopsy  
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assessment of concomitant medications 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 


 
Version 9 Dated 02/06/2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23 
1. CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis should be conducted prior to biopsy 
2. One week prior to starting axitinib if possible. 
3. Patient to restart axitinib 2-3 days after biopsy 
4. Subsequent thyroid function tests should be conducted every 8 weeks to six years, after which 
they should be conducted 12 weekly 
5. Subsequent tumour imaging to be performed 12 weekly thereafter and at treatment 
discontinuation/progression 
6. Biopsy of site of progression, or if not possible, percutaneous image guided primary tumour 
biopsy.  Biopsy should be taken prior to commencement of any subsequent treatment. 
7. Blood pressure readings are required at each clinic visit and should be taken in the seated 
position after the patient has been sitting quietly for 5 minutes.  Two readings should be taken 
one hour apart at pre-registration visit.  A consecutive reading should be taken at subsequent 
visits only if the first is elevated.  
8. TRIAL TREATMENT 
8.1. THERAPEUTIC REGIMEN AND DOSE MODIFICATIONS 
 
Axitinib treatment should commence on Day 1 of the study.   
 
Patients should be prescribed a starting dose of 5mg BID. 
 
Patients should be advised to stop axitinib treatment 5-7 days prior to day 1 week 9 tissue 
collection for the translational study and to restart 2-3 days post biopsy. 
 
Doses should be taken approximately 12 hours apart.  
 
Patients should be instructed to take their doses at approximately the same times each day.  
 
If the patient vomits or misses a dose, an additional dose should not be taken. The next 
prescribed dose should be taken at the usual time.  If the patient reports having missed a dose 
or vomiting, this should be recorded in the source documents and CRFs.  
 
Dose adjustments, including dose increase or dose reduction, are permitted and should be 
based on clinical judgement and the guidelines provided in the following sections.  
 
Queries relating to potential dose adjustments should be discussed with ICR-CTSU.  
Consideration of dose adjustment guidelines and clinical rationale for dosing decision should 
be clearly documented in the patient’s medical notes. 
8.2. AXITINIB DOSE LEVELS  
Dose Level  
Dose  
Dispensed As  
+2  
10 mg BID  
2 X 5 mg tablets BID  
+1  
7 mg BID  
1 X 5 mg tablet BID + 2 X 1mg tablets BID 
0 (Starting Dose)  
5 mg BID  
1 X 5 mg tablet BID  
-1  
3 mg BID  
3 X 1mg tablets BID  
-2  
2 mg BID  
2 X 1mg tablets BID  
 


 
Version 9 Dated 02/06/2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24 
8.3. DOSE ESCALATION SCHEDULE  
Patients who tolerate axitinib with no adverse events related to study drug above CTCAE grade 2 for a 
consecutive 2-week period may have their dose increased by one dose level to a maximum of 10 mg 
BID (unless the patient’s blood pressure [BP] is >150/90 mm Hg or the patient is receiving 
antihypertensive medication). If the patient is receiving antihypertensive medication and a dose 
escalation is clinically indicated the ICR-CTSU should be contacted to obtain TMG approval of the 
proposed dose escalation. No patient receiving antihypertensive medication should have an axitinib 
dose escalation without prior written confirmation from ICR-CTSU of TMG approval. 
8.4. DOSE INTERRUPTION AND REDUCTION 
Patients experiencing non-haematological drug reactions greater than CTCAE Grade 2 or 
haematological reactions greater than CTCAE Grade 3 should undergo dose modification. The current 
version of the SmPC should be used to assess whether any adverse event is attributable to the drug. 
Axitinib should be stopped in the event of significant toxicity and restarted if appropriate when 
toxicities have resolved.  Recovery to acceptable levels of toxicity must occur within 4 weeks to allow 
recommencement of treatment.   
Patients permanently removed from treatment for intolerable toxicity should receive a post treatment 
CT scan assessed according to RECIST 1.1 criteria, and should continue to be followed with regular 
tumour assessments until disease progression or start of new treatment, and for survival thereafter.  
The criterion for dose modification for axitinib related adverse events is summarised in the table 
below:  
8.4.1. CRITERIA FOR DOSE MODIFICATION FOR AXITINIB - RELATED ADVERSE 
EVENTS (OTHER THAN HYPERTENSION OR PROTEINURIA) 
Related Adverse Events  
INTERVENTION  
Any Grade: Bleeding where medical 
intervention is required 
Temporarily interrupt the axitinib dose. 
Any Grade: Posterior reversible 
encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) 
Patients with signs or symptoms should temporarily interrupt or 
permanently discontinue axitinib treatment. In case of severe or 
persistent arterial hypertension and symptoms suggestive of 
posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, a diagnostic 
brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) should be considered. 
Moderate hepatic impairment 
(Child-Pugh class B) 
A dose decrease is recommended                
Grade 1 or 2  
Continue at same dose level  
Grade 3 non-haematologic 
treatment-related toxicity 
Decrease dose to one lower dose level unless controlled with 
symptomatic medications. 
Grade 3 asymptomatic biochemistry 
laboratory abnormalities  
Continue at the same dose level at the discretion of the 
investigator  
Grade 4 non-haematologic 
treatment-related toxicity or Grade 4 
haematologic toxicity (other than 
those below) 
Interrupt dosing; re-start at one lower dose level as soon as 
improvement to CTCAE Grade ≤2. If patient requires dose 
reduction below 2 mg BID, contact ICR-CTSU for discussion 
prior to implementation.  
Grade 4 lymphopaenia or Grade 4 
asymptomatic biochemistry 
laboratory abnormality 
Continue at the same dose level at the discretion of the 
investigator 


 
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25 
Any Grade: Cardiac Failure Events  
Management may include temporary interruption and possible 
dose reduction OR permanent discontinuation of axitinib. 
8.5. AXITINIB DOSE REDUCTION GUIDANCE FOR HYPERTENSION 
Guidance on dose interruption and reduction for hypertension is summarized in the table below. 
Queries relating to hypertension management should be discussed with ICR-CTSU 
HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR AXITINIB 
Degree of Blood Pressure Elevation 
Management 
Systolic Pressure  
 
 
Diastolic Pressure  
 
 
2 consecutive BP 
readings show systolic 
pressure >150 mmHg 
OR  2 consecutive BP 
readings show 
diastolic pressure >90 
mmHg 
If not on maximal antihypertensive 
treatment, institute new or additional 
antihypertensive medication and maintain 
dose of axitinib.  
If on maximal antihypertensive treatment, 
reduce axitinib to one lower dose level.  
2 consecutive BP 
readings show systolic 
pressure >160 mmHg  
OR  2 consecutive BP 
show diastolic 
pressure >100mmHg  
Interrupt dosing*; adjust antihypertensive 
medication; as soon as BP is less than 
150/90 mmHg, restart axitinib at one 
lower dose level.  
Persistent hypertension 
(2 consecutive BP 
readings show systolic 
pressure >150 mmHg) 
following previous dose 
reduction for 
hypertension 
OR  Persistent 
hypertension (2 
consecutive BP 
readings show 
diastolic pressure  >90 
mmHg) following 
previous dose 
reduction for 
hypertension  
Repeat axitinib dose reduction by one 
lower dose level.  
If a patient requires dose reduction below 
2 mg BID, contact ICR-CTSU for 
discussion  
* If dose is interrupted, patients receiving antihypertensive medications should be monitored closely 
for hypotension. 
8.6. AXITINIB DOSE REDUCTION FOR PROTEINURIA 
 
If dipstick shows > 1+ proteinuria, perform 24 hour urine collection or urinary protein:creatinine 
ratio (PCR). Dosing may continue while waiting for test results. 
 
If < 2g proteinuria/24 hour or urinary PCR < 200mg/mmol is reported, continue dosing at the 
same dose level. 
 
If ≥ 2g proteinuria/24 hours or urinary PCR ≥ 200mg/mmol is reported, withhold dose and 
repeat 24 hour urine collection for proteinuria and creatinine clearance (interval at investigator 
discretion) until proteinuria is < 2 g/24 hours or urinary PCR < 200mg/mmol. Restart axitinib at 
the same dose or one lower dose level at discretion of the investigator. 
 
If patient develops nephrotic syndrome axitinib should be discontinued. 
8.7. DOSE RE-ESCALATION 
Re-escalation back to the previous dose level is permitted in the absence of grade ≥3 haematologic or 
grade ≥2 non-haematologic treatment-related toxicity in the previous 4 weeks of treatment. 


 
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26 
8.8. AXITINIB DOSE INTERRUPTION FOR SURGERY OR SURGICAL PROCEDURES 
If major surgery or an interventional procedure (e.g. endoscopy) which is not part of the A-PREDICT 
translational study is required, treatment with axitinib must be interrupted at least 24 hours before the 
procedure and the patient blood pressure should be monitored closely for hypotension. Patients may 
resume axitinib seven days after minor surgery and 2-3 weeks after major surgery, assuming the 
wound has completely healed. The decision to resume axitinib therapy after surgery should be based 
on clinical judgment of adequate wound healing. 
8.9. DURATION OF THERAPY 
In the absence of unacceptable toxicity treatment should continue until the patient is no longer deriving 
clinical benefit. 
Patients may also discontinue protocol treatment in the following instances: 
 
Intercurrent illness which would in the judgment of the investigator affect patient safety, the 
ability to deliver treatment or the primary study endpoints 
 
Request by patient  
Patients for whom treatment is discontinued should be followed for disease progression and for 
survival thereafter according to the Schedule of Assessments (see section 7). 
8.10. 
SUPPORTIVE CARE GUIDELINES 
Palliative and supportive care for disease-related symptoms, including pain medications and palliative 
radiotherapy, is permitted. Patients may receive loperamide or other medications for treatment or 
prophylaxis of potential diarrhoea. Anti-inflammatory or narcotic analgesics may be offered as needed. 
Patients with fever or infection may undergo diagnostic tests and be treated with antibiotics as 
appropriate and may receive therapeutic colony-stimulating factors as appropriate. Erythropoietic 
agents such as epoetin or darbepoetin may be used at the discretion of the treating physician. Packed 
red blood cell and platelet transfusions should be administered as clinically indicated. Low-dose oral 
steroids (defined as <5 mg per day prednisone or equivalent), short course of more potent oral 
steroids (defined as < 5 consecutive days) or topical or inhaled steroids at any dose may be taken 
during the study.  
Patients who need to be on anticoagulant therapy during treatment with axitinib should be treated with 
low molecular weight heparin as the preferred therapy. The administration of coumadin or other 
coumarin derivatives may be allowed; however, due to possibility of inhibition of CYP1A2-mediated 
metabolism of coumadin by axitinib, appropriate monitoring of PT/INR should be performed for any 
potential increased coumadin concentration.  
Patients receiving axitinib should be monitored for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as 
fatigue, deepening of voice, cold intolerance, constipation, anorexia, periorbital edema, myxedema, or 
changes in skin or hair. Hypothyroidism should be treated per standard medical practice to maintain 
euthyroid state. 
8.11. 
CONCOMITANT THERAPY 
Axitinib is metabolised primarily by liver enzymes, in particular CYP3A4. All medication considered 
necessary for the patients’ welfare and which is not expected to interfere with the evaluation of the 


 
Version 9 Dated 02/06/2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27 
study drugs may be given at the discretion of the investigator. Concomitant medications must be 
recorded in the patient’s source documentation, as well as the appropriate pages of the CRF.  
Contraindicated concurrent medications include: 
 
Agents known to induce CYP3A4/5 or CYP1A2 including: 
o 
carbamazepine,  
o 
dexamethasone,  
o 
felbamate,  
o 
omeprazole,  
o 
phenobarbital,  
o 
amobarbital,  
o 
phenytoin,  
o 
primidone,  
o 
rifabutin,  
o 
rifampicin,  
o 
nevirapine,  
o 
St John’s wort 
o 
rifapentin
 
 
Agents known to inhibit CYP3A4/5 including: 
o 
grapefruit juice,  
o 
ketoconazole,  
o 
miconazole,  
o 
itraconazole,  
o 
erythromycin,  
o 
clarithromycin,  
o 
telithromycin,  
o 
verapamil,  
o 
indinavir,  
o 
saquinavir,  
o 
ritonavir,  
o 
nelfinavir,  
o 
lopinavir,  
o 
atazanavir,  
o 
amprenavir,  
o 
fosamprenavir  
o 
delavirdine  
o 
nefazodone 
 
 
Other approved or investigational systemic anticancer treatments, including chemotherapy, 
hormone therapy and immunotherapy  
 
Other investigational drugs  
The use of potent antacids such as proton pump inhibitors (except those listed above) and histamine 
H2 antagonists is permissible, if medically necessary. However, patients requiring chronic antacid 
therapy should avoid their use for 2 hours before and for 2 hours after taking axitinib tablets.  
The contraindicated medications detailed above may only be used in exceptional circumstances and 
following written confirmation from the ICR-CTSU of the Chief Investigator’s approval. 
The current version of the SmPC should be used to assess whether any other concomitant 
medications are permissible. 
8.12. 
SUBSEQUENT THERAPY 
Participants for whom treatment is discontinued should be treated according to clinical circumstances 
and should be managed at the local clinician’s discretion.   
8.13. 
DRUG COMPLIANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY 
The study drug must not be used outside the context of the A-PREDICT protocol. Patients must be 
asked to bring all their trial medication every time they attend the clinic for the purposes of treatment 
compliance assessment and drug accountability. Every effort should be made to encourage patients to 
return the unused medication and empty packs/bottles. The unused tablets should be collected by the 
investigator/study nurse and counted to ascertain patient compliance, medication will then be returned 


 
Version 9 Dated 02/06/2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28 
to pharmacy for drug accountability prior to destruction according to local practices. Drug 
accountability and destruction records should be maintained by the local pharmacy. 
8.14. 
AXITINIB MANUFACTURER 
Axitinib (also known as AG-013736) is manufactured and provided free of charge by Pfizer to 
participating centres. 
8.15. 
PACKAGING AND LABELLING 
Axitinib is presented as 1mg and 5mg immediate release film-coated tablets and supplied in HDPE 
(Heavy Duty Polyethylene) bottles, with induction seals. Tablet bottles of each dose contain 60 tablets.  
Pfizer will coordinate study drug packaging, labelling and distribution for this trial. The schedule of 
responsibilities for this arrangement is detailed in a contract between Pfizer and the Co-sponsors. 
Labelling will be the responsibility of Pfizer and will be compliant with Annex 13 of the Good 
Manufacturing Guidelines (GMP) and all applicable local regulatory requirements. 
8.16. 
DRUG STORAGE 
Axitinib should be stored in the original package in order to protect from moisture and should be stored 
at controlled room temperature (between 15°C and 30°C) and protected from light. The local 
pharmacy is responsible for ensuring that the study medication is stored in an appropriate secured 
area.   
8.17. 
DISTRIBUTION OF DRUGS TO SITE  
ICR-CTSU will arrange for a supply of the study drugs to be sent from Pfizer to the relevant pharmacy 
department following centre initiation. Local R & D approval and a study agreement must be in place 
before any drug can be shipped to sites.  
8.18. 
COMMERCIAL SUPPLY  
After November 2018 A-PREDICT participants still receiving axitinib will be transferred to free of 
charge commercial supply. Commercial supply will be provided by Pfizer until A-PREDICT 
participants’ treatment discontinuation. 
Commercial supply axitinib will be labelled by the local site’s pharmacy prior to dispensing in 
accordance with the MHRA approved A-PREDICT commercial supply label contents. Axitinib should 
be stored as per section 8.16 of the protocol. 
Pfizer are responsible for distribution of commercial supply axitinib to participating sites. 
8.19. 
PHARMACY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DRUG ACCOUNTABILITY 
8.19.1. LABELLING 
Pharmacies may add their own hospital dispensing label to the study drug which must not obscure the 
existing label on the drug packaging. 
8.19.2. ACCOUNTABILITY 
The local pharmacy department must designate a responsible person for ensuring that:  


 
Version 9 Dated 02/06/2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29 
 
the study drug is handled and stored safely and properly;  
 
the study drug label is completed for each patient in accordance with Annex 13 of the EU 
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines; 
 
the study drug is dispensed only to trial patients and in accordance with the protocol; 
 
full accountability of the study drug is maintained 
 
there is a sufficient supply of study drug for patients’ continued treatment, and in a timely 
manner contact ICR-CTSU for re-supply of stock;  
 
study drug expiry dates are monitored and are used in order of expiry date order i.e. earliest 
expiry first; 
 
unused study drug is destroyed locally in accordance with hospital protocol. 
Records must be kept of all deliveries, dispensing and destruction in accordance with the A-PREDICT 
Pharmacy Guidance Notes. These records may be requested by ICR-CTSU during the trial to monitor 
supply and usage of stock.  Account must be given of any discrepancies and certificates of delivery 
and return must be signed.    
8.20. 
 PATIENT CARDS 
Small wallet sized cards will be produced by ICR-CTSU on request by the participating centre. Each 
card will state:  
 
the name and emergency contact details of the participating centre 
 
that the patient is participating in the A-PREDICT trial 
 
that the patient is taking axitinib 
9. PHARMACOVIGILANCE 
9.1. DEFINITIONS 
Adverse Event (AE): any untoward medical occurrence in a patient or clinical trial subject 
administered a medicinal product and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with this 
treatment.  An AE can therefore be any unfavourable and unintended sign (including an abnormal 
laboratory finding), symptom, or disease associated with the use of a study drug, whether or not 
considered related to the study drug. Signs and symptoms of metastatic disease, as determined by 
the local clinical investigator, are not adverse events. 
Adverse Reaction (AR): all untoward and unintended responses to the study drug related to any 
dose administered.  The expression reasonable causal relationship means to convey in general that 
there is evidence or argument to suggest a causal relationship. 
Serious Adverse Event (SAE): Any untoward medical occurrence or effect which occurs within 28 
days of the patient receiving study drug that at any dose: 
 
results in death: the patient’s death is suspected as being a direct outcome of the AE. 


 
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30 
 
is life-threatening: refers to an event in which the subject was at risk of death at the time of the 
event.  It also refers to an event that would result in death with the continued use of the product; it 
does not refer to an event which hypothetically might have caused death if it were more severe. 
 
requires hospitalisation, or prolongation of existing inpatient hospitalisation: admission to hospital 
overnight or prolongation of a stay in hospital was necessary as a result of the AE. Outpatient 
treatment in an emergency room is not itself an SAE, although the reasons for it may be.  Hospital 
admissions/surgical procedures planned for a pre-existing condition before a patient is registered 
to the study are not considered SAEs, unless the illness/disease deteriorates in an unexpected 
way during the study.   
 
results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity: the AE results in a significant or 
persistent change, impairment, damage or disruption in the patient’s body function/structure, 
physical activities or quality of life. 
 
is a congenital anomaly or birth defect 
 
death due to progressive disease 
Progression of the malignancy should NOT be reported as an SAE.   Hospitalisation due to signs and 
symptoms of malignancy progression does NOT require reporting as an SAE 
Medical judgement should be exercised in deciding whether other AEs are serious. Important AEs that 
are not immediately life-threatening or do not result in death or hospitalisation but may jeopardise the 
subject or may require intervention to prevent one of the other outcomes listed in the definition above, 
should also be considered serious. 
Serious Adverse Reaction (SAR): Any serious adverse event judged by either the Principal 
Investigator or the Chief Investigator as having suspected causal relationship to the study drug. 
Suspected Unexpected Serious Adverse Reaction (SUSAR): Any serious adverse event judged by 
either the Principal Investigator or the Chief Investigator as having suspected causal relationship to 
the study drug that is not listed on the SmPC and, in the opinion of the Chief Investigator, is 
unexpected.  
9.2. CAUSALITY 
The Principal Investigator and the Chief Investigator must assess whether Serious Adverse Events 
have a suspected causal relationship to the study drug. A suspected causal relationship is defined as 
possibly, probably or definitely related (see definitions of causality table).  
9.3. DEFINITIONS OF CAUSALITY  
Relationship 
Description 
Unrelated 
There is no evidence of any causal relationship with the trial drug 
Unlikely 
There is little evidence to suggest there is a causal relationship (e.g. the event 
did not occur within a reasonable time after administration of the trial 
medication).  There is another reasonable explanation for the event (e.g. the 


 
Version 9 Dated 02/06/2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31 
patient’s clinical condition, other concomitant treatment) 
Possible 
There is some evidence to suggest a causal relationship (e.g. because the 
event occurs within a reasonable time after administration of the trial 
medication).  However, the influence of other factors may have contributed to 
the event (e.g. the patient’s clinical condition, other concomitant treatments) 
Probable 
There is evidence to suggest a causal relationship, and the influence of other 
factors is unlikely 
Definitely 
There is clear evidence to suggest a causal relationship, and other possible 
contributing factors can be ruled out 
Not assessable 
There is insufficient or incomplete evidence to make a clinical judgement of the 
causal relationship. 
 
If there is any doubt about the causality of an event, the investigator should contact ICR-CTSU who 
will discuss with the Chief Investigator.  The drug manufacturer and/or other clinicians may also be 
asked for advice.  
9.4. DEFINITIONS OF EXPECTEDNESS 
Expected adverse events are those which are expected to occur, according to previous clinical 
experience, and are listed in the SmPC. The expectedness of an SAE will be assessed by the Chief 
Investigator (or the CI’s delegate).  
9.5. REPORTING SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS TO ICR-CTSU 
Any SAE that occurs from the time of registration and up to 28 days following the last dose of axitinib 
must be reported. 
All SAEs should be reported to ICR-CTSU, within 24 hours of the Principal Investigator (or designated 
representative) becoming aware of the event, by completing the trial specific SAE forms and faxing to: 
 
 
 
 
All SAE forms must be completed, signed, and dated by the Principal Investigator or designated 
representative. 
9.6. REVIEW OF SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS 
The Chief Investigator (or designated representative) will assess all reported SAEs for causality and 
expectedness. 
NB. The Chief Investigator cannot down-grade the Principal Investigator’s assessment of causality. 
The ICR-CTSU safety desk 
Fax no: 0208 722 4368 
For the attention of the A-PREDICT Trial team 


 
Version 9 Dated 02/06/2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32 
SAEs assessed as having a causal relationship to study drug and as being unexpected (SUSARs) will 
undergo expedited reporting to the relevant authorities by ICR-CTSU (see figure 3 for SAE reporting).  
Centres should respond as soon as possible to requests from the Chief Investigator or designated 
representative (via ICR-CTSU) for further information that may be required for final assessment of the 
SAE. 
All reported SAEs and follow up information will be forwarded to Pfizer upon receipt at ICR-CTSU. 
9.7. EXPEDITED REPORTING OF SUSARS  
If an SAE is identified as being a SUSAR by the Chief Investigator, and is fatal or life threatening, it will 
be reported by ICR-CTSU to the MHRA, the Main REC, the sponsor institutions and Pfizer within 7 
days of being notified of the event. 
If an SAE is identified as a SUSAR by the Chief Investigator, and is not fatal or life threatening, it will 
be reported by ICR-CTSU to the MHRA, the Main REC, the sponsor institutions and Pfizer within 15 
days of ICR-CTSU being notified of the event. 
ICR-CTSU will report any additional relevant information to the MHRA, Main REC, the sponsor 
institutions and Pfizer as soon as possible, or within 8 days of the initial report of a fatal/life threatening 
SUSAR. 
The Principal Investigators at all actively recruiting centres will be informed of any SUSARs occurring 
within the trial at regular intervals.  
9.8. FOLLOW UP OF SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS 
Centres should continue to follow up SAEs until clinical recovery is complete and laboratory results 
have returned to normal, or until disease has stabilised.  SAE outcomes should be reported to ICR-
CTSU using the relevant section of the SAE form as soon as the Principal Investigator becomes 
aware of the outcome.  
NB. Any female patient who becomes pregnant or the partner of any male patient who fathers a child 
whilst on study medication, must be followed up and the outcome reported to ICR-CTSU who will then 
forward the details to Pfizer. 
9.9. ANNUAL REPORTING OF SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS 
An annual report will be provided to the MHRA and the Main REC by ICR-CTSU and copied to the 
sponsors at the end of the reporting year.  This will be defined as the anniversary of the date when the 
Clinical Trials Authorisation (CTA) was obtained.  This will include all related events reported on SAE 
forms, and a report from the Independent Data Monitoring and Steering Committee (IDMSC). 


 
Version 9 Dated 02/06/2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
33 
9.9.1. FIGURE 3 - FLOW DIAGRAM FOR SAE REPORTING, AND ACTION FOLLOWING 
REPORT 
Adverse event considered serious as defined 
by the trial protocol?
Adverse event observed in trial 
participant
No immediate reporting
Record on relevant CRF
IMMEDIATE REPORTING 
COMPLETE TRIAL SPECIFIC SAE FORM
Fax SAE form to ICR-CTSU within 24 hours of becoming aware 
of the event 
Sites must respond immediately to 
requests for further information that 
may be required for CI assessment
Receipt of SAE acknowledged by ICR-CTSU personnel and any 
missing / unclear data queried
ICR-CTSU forward SAE to the Chief Investigator (CI) or 
nominated representative for assessment of relatedness and 
expectedness.  Return by fax to the ICR-CTSU once assessment 
is complete
Yes
Responsibilities of Participating Centre
Responsibilities of (Co)Sponsor as per agreement
No
CI (or nominated 
representative) 
assessment of 
expectedness of the SAR
No further reporting 
required
SAR
ICR-CTSU report all SARs 
to Main REC and MHRA 
annually in their specified 
format.  Sponsor institution 
also notified at agreed 
timelines
SUSAR
Requires expedited 
reporting
SUSARs will be reported by 
ICR-CTSU to:
 Medicines & Healthcare products 
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Main 
Research Ethics Committee (Main 
REC) within 7 calendar days (15 days 
if non fatal or non life threatening) of 
initial report, as per EU CTD
 Sponsor institutions
 Principal investigators at regular 
intervals
Expected
Unexpected
Both the PI and CI 
suspect SAE is unrelated
PI and/or CI suspects 
SAE is related
NB. All SAEs should continue to be followed up as specified in the protocol. 
SUSAR Follow Up
Additional relevant information 
reported to MHRA, Main REC and 
Sponsor  as soon as possible or 
within 8 days of initial report if fatal/life 
threatening
All reported SAEs will be forwarded 
to Pfizer following assessment by 
the Chief Investigator
 
10. STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 
10.1. 
STATISTICAL DESIGN AND SAMPLE SIZE JUSTIFICATION 
This study is designed to assess the efficacy of axitinib in patients with mRCC not immediately 
clinically indicated for nephrectomy, a very poor risk group of patients. The median progression free 
survival for poor risk patients with mRCC treated with temsirolimus, the standard of care in this setting, 
is approximately 5.5 months[17].  Some benefit is expected for patients treated with axitinib, but the 


 
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34 
expected degree of benefit is not known, nor is it known whether there will be a benefit via an 
increased response rate, or a prolongation of response, or both, detectable in PFS at 6 months. 
Using a Simon Optimal Two-Stage design this study has 90% power at a one-sided significance level 
of 0.05 to discount an ‘ineffective’ rate of freedom from progression at 6 months (PFS6) of 25% (p0) in 
favour of a PFS6 of at least 40% (p1).  This point estimate (40%) is lower than perhaps expected for 
temsirolimus (ignoring the inevitable variability around these estimates).  However, a slightly lower 
threshold for axitinib may be acceptable given it is well tolerated and an oral compound, thus requiring 
fewer visits to hospital than for an IV drug such as temsirolimus. 
37 patients will be treated in stage one and, if successful, a further 62 patients in stage two bringing 
the total number of patients required to 99. There will be no planned stopping in recruitment between 
stages 1 and 2; patients will be entered into stage 2 whilst stage 1 patients are progressing through 
the trial, their data being analysed and reviewed by the Independent Data Monitoring and Steering 
Committee (IDMSC).  
The trial will stop and the treatment will be rejected if there are fewer than 11 patients alive and 
progression free at 6 months when the first 37 patients have been on trial for 6 months. If 11 or more 
of the first 37 patients are alive and progression free at 6 months a further 62 patients will be recruited 
into the second stage. If there are 32 or more patients of the overall 99 entered alive and progression 
free at 6 months axitinib will be considered to have shown worthwhile efficacy, but not if there are 31 
or less. Planning for a phase III trial can commence at any stage if 32 patients have been observed to 
be alive and progression free at 6 months. No data will be released from stage 1 whilst recruitment to 
stage 2 is ongoing unless advised to do so by the IDMSC . 
10.2. 
ENDPOINT DEFINITIONS 
10.2.1. PRIMARY ENDPOINT 
The proportion of study participants alive and progression free at 6 months (day 1 week 25 visit).  
Progression will be measured from the date of study entry (registration date) until the first date of 
either death or confirmed progressive disease according to RECIST. Patients alive and free from 
progression will be censored at the date of last follow-up.  The proportion of patients progression free 
at 6 months will be reported with 95% confidence interval.  In addition, progression free survival will be 
presented using the Kaplan Meier product limit method with median progression free survival reported.   
A blinded central review of CT scans will be conducted for verification purposes. 
10.2.2. SECONDARY ENDPOINTS 
Best overall response is defined as the best tumour response that is achieved during or within 30 days 
after termination of axitinib that is confirmed according to RECIST.   
Progression-free survival (PFS) will be measured from the date of registration until first date of either 
death or confirmed progressive disease according to RECIST 1.1.  Time to last follow-up will be used 
if patient has not progressed or died and PFS time for the patient will be considered censored.  A 
Kaplan Meier graph and median survival time will be presented. 
Overall survival will be measured from the date of registration until the date of death due to any cause.  
Time to last follow-up will be used if patient has not died and survival time for the patient will be 
considered censored.  A Kaplan Meier graph and median survival time will be presented. 


 
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35 
Safety and toxicity will be assessed throughout the treatment period using the NCI CTC AE v 4.0 and 
summarised in tabular format.  Reported toxicities will be coded using MedDRA (current version). 
The proportion of patients who undergo nephrectomy following registration as a result of treatment 
with axitinib will be reported with 95% confidence intervals. 
10.2.3. EXPLORATORY ENDPOINTS 
Analysis of response by biomarker sub-group will be descriptive in nature. Fisher’s Exact Tests are 
likely to be reported, however, they will only be used for hypothesis generation due to the limited 
power of the study.  Correlation between biomarker sub-groups and reported toxicity will also be 
explored via interaction tests. A false discovery rate of <5% will be applied to all biomarkers. 
CT scans collected for central verification of the primary endpoint will be used to determine the extent 
of venous tumour thrombus in the IVC for each participant and the effect of axitinib treatment on VTT.  
The primary objective of this exploratory analysis will be to establish the proportion of patients with a 
reduction in Neves’ classification (level of the VTT within the IVC) [30]. Secondary objectives will be to 
assess the height of the VTT above the ostium of the renal vein/IVC in this patient population and 
change in texture of IVC VTT following treatment with axitinib.  
10.3. 
INTERIM ANALYSIS AND DATA MONITORING 
An Independent Data Monitoring Committee will meet approximately every 6 months to review 
accrual, safety and efficacy data. The subsequent replacement of patients who withdraw from 
treatment or who are unevaluable for reasons deemed not to be treatment related will be based on the 
advice of this committee. For completeness a sensitivity analysis of the progression free rate 
calculated by the Kaplan Meier product limit method will also be presented in which withdrawals are 
censored.  
A formal interim analysis will be conducted once the first 37 patients have at least 6 months follow up 
data available.  The principal analysis for publication will occur on the recommendation of the IDMSC 
and is expected once 99 patients have at least 6 months follow up data available (or have died). 


 
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36 
11. TRIAL MANAGEMENT 
11.1. 
TRIAL MANAGEMENT GROUP (TMG) 
A Trial Management Group (TMG) will be set up and will include the Chief Investigator, Co-
investigators and identified collaborators, the Trial Statistician and the Trial Managers.  Principal 
Investigators and key study personnel will be invited to join the TMG as appropriate to ensure 
representation from a range of centres and professional groups. Where possible, membership will 
include a lay/consumer representative.  Notwithstanding the legal obligations of the Co-Sponsors and 
Chief Investigator, the TMG have operational responsibility for the conduct of the trial.  The 
Committee’s terms of reference, roles and responsibilities will be defined in a charter issued by ICR-
CTSU and based on MRC Good Clinical Practice (MRC GCP).  Use of biological samples or study 
data for purposes additional to those described within the protocol must be approved by the A-
PREDICT Trial Management Group. 
11.2. 
INDEPENDENT DATA MONITORING AND STEERING COMMITTEE (IDMSC) 
The roles of the IDMC and TSC will be combined, i.e. the committee will both monitor the data 
produced by the trial, put these data into overall context and supervise the progress of the trial 
towards its interim and overall objectives. This committee will be constituted according to MRC Good 
Clinical Practice (MRC GCP) and will oversee the safety of the trial.  
The IDMSC will meet in confidence at regular intervals, and at least annually.  A report of the findings 
and recommendations will be produced following each meeting.  This report will be submitted to the 
TMG and if required, the main REC and the MHRA. 
The IDMSC reserve the right to release any data on outcome or side-effects to the TMG (and if 
appropriate to participants) if it determines at any stage that the combined evidence from this and 
other studies justifies it. 
The Committee’s terms of reference, roles and responsibilities will be defined in a charter issued by 
ICR-CTSU. 
12. RESEARCH GOVERNANCE  
This Clinical Trial will be conducted in accordance with the ethical principles laid down by the 
Declaration of Helsinki, 1964 and as amended in 1996 and the principles of Good Clinical Practice. 
12.1. 
SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES 
The Co-sponsors are The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and The Royal Marsden NHS 
Foundation Trust (RMH).  Sponsorship activities and delegated responsibilities are shared between 
ICR and RMH, in accordance with The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 as 
amended and in line with the Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care and the 
principles of GCP.  Responsibilities of the Co-sponsors are set out in an agreement between ICR and 
RMH.  
12.2. 
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR RESPONSIBILITIES 
Responsibilities of each Principal Investigator and participating centre will be detailed in a contract 
with the Co-sponsors.  
 


 
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37 
Principal Investigator responsibilities include putting and keeping in place arrangements to run the trial 
at their site according to the trial protocol and applicable guidance notes, The Medicines for Human 
Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 as amended and in line with the Research Governance 
Framework for Health and Social Care and the principles of GCP. The above responsibilities include, 
but are not limited to, the following:  
 
Putting and keeping in place arrangements to adhere the principles of GCP 
 
Keeping a copy of all ‘essential documents’ (as defined under the principles of GCP) and 
ensuring appropriate archiving and destruction of documentation once the trial has ended as 
required by regulation 31 of the principal Regulations of the Medicines for Human Use 
(Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 implementing the commission directive 2005/28EC 
 
Ensuring investigational medicinal products (IMPs) are made available to subjects free of 
charge 
 
Taking appropriate urgent safety measures and 
 
Ensuring recording and prompt reporting of SAEs/SARs to ICR-CTSU 
ICR is responsible for co-ordinating any required legal agreements and investigator statements. 
The delegation of sponsorship responsibilities does not impact on or alter standard NHS indemnity 
cover.  The agreement of delegated responsibilities is viewed as a partnership and as such it is 
necessary to share pertinent information between ICR and RMH/Chief Investigator, including 
proposed inspections by the MHRA and/or other regulatory bodies. 
12.3. 
PFIZER RESPONSIBILITIES 
Pfizer are responsible on behalf of the co-sponsors for the manufacture, packing, labelling and 
distributing of study drug to site in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice and all applicable 
local legislation.  Responsibilities are defined in an agreement between Pfizer and the co-sponsors. 
13. TRIAL ADMINISTRATION & LOGISTICS  
13.1. 
SITE ACTIVATION 
Before activating the trial, participating centres are required to sign an agreement accepting 
responsibility for all trial activity which takes place within their centre.   
Sites may commence recruitment once centre agreements have been signed by both parties, trial 
documentation is in place and a site initiation (visit or teleconference) has taken place.  Site initiation 
visits will be conducted at sites where the Principal Investigator has requested one or where ICR-
CTSU deems it is appropriate.   
13.2. 
DATA ACQUISITION  
Electronic (e) Case Report Forms (CRF) will be used for the collection of trial data. ICR-CTSU will 
provide guidance to sites to aid the completion of the eCRFs. The Trial Management Group reserves 
the right to amend or add to the eCRF template as appropriate. Such changes do not constitute a 
protocol amendment, and revised or additional forms should be used by centres in accordance with 
the guidelines provided by ICR-CTSU. 
By participating in the A-PREDICT trial, the Principal Investigators at each centre are confirming 
agreement with his/her local NHS Trust to ensure that:  


 
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38 
 
Sufficient data is recorded for all participating patients to enable accurate linkage between 
hospital records and eCRFs; 
 
Source data and all trial related documentation are accurate, complete, maintained and 
accessible for monitoring and audit visits; 
 
All staff at their centre who are involved with the trial will meet the requirements of the EU 
Directive; 
 
Original consent forms are dated and signed by both patient and investigator and are kept 
together in a central log together with a copy of the specific patient information sheet(s) given 
at the time of consent; 
 
All essential documents must be retained for five years after the Trial ends to comply with 
current legislation. 
 
Staff will comply with the protocol and Trial Guidance Notes for the A-PREDICT trial. 
13.3. 
CENTRAL DATA MONITORING 
Once data has been entered by the site personnel on the eCRF, ICR-CTSU will review it for 
compliance with the protocol, and for inconsistent or missing data. Should any missing data or data 
anomalies be found, queries will be issued to the centre for resolution.  
Any systematic inconsistencies identified may trigger monitoring visits to centres.   
13.4. 
ON-SITE MONITORING  
If a monitoring visit is required, ICR-CTSU will contact the centre to discuss dates of proposed visit.  
Once a date has been confirmed, the centre should ensure that the relevant patient notes are 
available for monitoring.  
ICR-CTSU and/or Francis Crick Institute staff conducting on-site monitoring will review essential 
documentation, carry out source data verification and monitor pharmacy and translational study 
procedures to confirm compliance with the site agreement and trial protocol to ensure the protection of 
patients’ rights as detailed in the Declaration of Helsinki 1964 as amended October 1996.   
If any problems are detected during the course of the monitoring visit, ICR-CTSU will work with the 
Principal Investigator or delegated individual to resolve issues and determine appropriate action. 
13.5. 
COMPLETION OF THE STUDY AND DEFINITION OF STUDY END DATE 
The study end date is deemed to be the date of last data capture. 
13.6. 
ARCHIVING 
Essential documents are documents that individually and collectively permit evaluation of the conduct 
of the trial and substantiate the quality of the data collected.  They should be retained for a sufficient 
period (and at least 5 years after the date of last data capture) for possible inspection by the regulatory 
authorities. Documents should be securely stored and access restricted to authorised personnel.   


 
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39 
14. PATIENT PROTECTION AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS 
This trial has been formally assessed for clinical risk by ICR-CTSU. 
The trial has received ethical and regulatory approval. Before entering patients, the Principal 
Investigator at each site is responsible for submitting Site Specific Information and gaining local 
Research and Development approval of this protocol.  
Patients should be asked to sign the trial consent forms at trial entry after receiving both verbal and 
written information about the trial. All consent forms must be countersigned by the Principal 
Investigator or a designated individual. A Delegation of Responsibilities Log, listing the designated 
individuals and the circumstances under which they may countersign consent forms, must be 
maintained at the participating centre. This log, together with original copies of all signed patient 
consent forms, should be retained in the Site Investigator File and must be available for inspection. 
The A-PREDICT patient information sheets should be provided in addition to any standard patient 
information sheets that are provided by the centre and used in routine practice.   
14.1. 
PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY  
Patients will be asked to consent to their full name being collected at registration in addition to their 
date of birth, hospital number, postcode and NHS number (CHI in Scotland) to allow linkage with 
routinely collected NHS data and ensure accuracy in handling biological samples.  The personal data 
recorded on all documents will be regarded as confidential, and any information which would allow 
individual patients to be identified will not be released into the public domain. 
Each investigator should keep a separate log of all patients’ Trial IDs, names, addresses and hospital 
numbers.  The investigator must maintain trial documents, which are to be held at the participating 
centres (e.g. patients’ written consent forms), in strict confidence. The investigator must ensure the 
patients’ confidentiality is maintained at all times.  
ICR-CTSU will maintain the confidentiality of patients at all times and will not reproduce or disclose 
any information by which patients could be identified.  Representatives of ICR-CTSU and the 
regulatory authorities will be required to have access to patients notes for quality assurance purposes 
but patients should be reassured that their confidentiality will be respected at all times.  
14.2. 
DATA PROTECTION ACT (DPA) 
ICR-CTSU will comply with all aspects of the DPA 1998.  Any requests from patients for access to 
data about them held at ICR-CTSU will be referred to the Data Protection Officer at The Institute of 
Cancer Research. 
14.3. 
LIABILITY  
Indemnity for participating hospitals is provided by the usual NHS indemnity arrangements. 
15. FINANCIAL MATTERS 
The trial is investigator designed and led and has been endorsed by Clinical Trials Awards & Advisory 
Committee (CTAAC) of Cancer Research UK, and meets the criteria for R&D support as outlined in 
the Statement of Partnership on Non-Commercial R&D in the NHS in England.  


 
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40 
The trial has received an Investigator Initiated Research grant (IIR) from Pfizer.  If further funding is 
received from any other source this will be made apparent in the patient information sheet and to the 
approving Main REC, but will not require a protocol amendment. 
NCRN (or regional equivalent) network resources should be made available for A-PREDICT, as the 
trial is part of the NIHR portfolio by virtue of its endorsement by CTAAC. 
16. PUBLICATION POLICY  
The main trial results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, on behalf of all collaborators.  The 
manuscript will be prepared by a writing group, consisting of members of the Trial Management 
Group, and participating clinicians. All participating clinicians will be acknowledged in the publication. 
All presentations and publications relating to the trial must be authorised by the Trial Management 
Group.  Authorship of any secondary publications e.g. relating to the various biological studies will 
reflect the intellectual and time input into these studies, and will not be the same as on the primary 
publication. No investigator may present or attempt to publish data relating to the A-PREDICT trial 
without prior permission from the Trial Management Group. 
 
 
 
 


 
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41 
17. REFERENCES 
1. 
UK, 
C.R. 
Kidney 
cancer 
statistics 
- 
UK. 
2012; 
Available 
from: 
http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/kidney/?script=true. 
2. 
Rabinovitch, R.A., et al., Patterns of failure following surgical resection of renal cell carcinoma: 
implications for adjuvant local and systemic therapy. J Clin Oncol, 1994. 12(1): p. 206-12. 
3. 
Selli, C., et al., Stratification of risk factors in renal cell carcinoma. Cancer, 1983. 52(5): p. 
899-903. 
4. 
Yagoda, A. and N.H. Bander, Failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy, 1983-1988, and the 
emerging role of monoclonal antibodies for renal cancer. Urol Int, 1989. 44(6): p. 338-45. 
5. 
Harris, D.T., Hormonal therapy and chemotherapy of renal-cell carcinoma. Semin Oncol, 
1983. 10(4): p. 422-30. 
6. 
Mickisch, G.H., et al., Radical nephrectomy plus interferon-alfa-based immunotherapy 
compared with interferon alfa alone in metastatic renal-cell carcinoma: a randomised trial. 
Lancet, 2001. 358(9286): p. 966-70. 
7. 
Flanigan, R.C., et al., Nephrectomy followed by interferon alfa-2b compared with interferon 
alfa-2b alone for metastatic renal-cell cancer. N Engl J Med, 2001. 345(23): p. 1655-9. 
8. 
Stephenson, A.J., et al., Complications of radical and partial nephrectomy in a large 
contemporary cohort. J Urol, 2004. 171(1): p. 130-4. 
9. 
Fossa, S.D., Interferon in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Semin Oncol, 2000. 27(2): p. 187-
93. 
10. 
Motzer, R.J., et al., Interferon-alfa as a comparative treatment for clinical trials of new 
therapies against advanced renal cell carcinoma. J Clin Oncol, 2002. 20(1): p. 289-96. 
11. 
Escudier, B., et al., Bevacizumab plus interferon alfa-2a for treatment of metastatic renal cell 
carcinoma: a randomised, double-blind phase III trial. Lancet, 2007. 370(9605): p. 2103-11. 
12. 
Rini, B.I., et al., Bevacizumab plus interferon alfa compared with interferon alfa monotherapy 
in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: CALGB 90206. J Clin Oncol, 2008. 26(33): p. 
5422-8. 
13. 
Motzer, R.J., et al., Efficacy of everolimus in advanced renal cell carcinoma: a double-blind, 
randomised, placebo-controlled phase III trial. Lancet, 2008. 372(9637): p. 449-56. 
14. 
Escudier, B., et al., Sorafenib in advanced clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med, 2007. 
356(2): p. 125-34. 
15. 
Sternberg, C.N., et al., Pazopanib in locally advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma: 
results of a randomized phase III trial. J Clin Oncol, 2010. 28(6): p. 1061-8. 
16. 
Motzer, R.J., et al., Sunitinib versus interferon alfa in metastatic renal-cell carcinoma. The 
New England Journal of Medicine, 2007. 356(2): p. 115-24. 
17. 
Hudes, G., et al., Temsirolimus, interferon alfa or both for advance renal-cell carcinoma The 
New England Journal of Medicine, 2007. 356(22): p. 2271-81. 
18. 
Rini, B.I., et al., Axitinib versus sorafenib as second-line therapy for metastatic renal-cell 
carcinoma (mRCC): Results of phase III AXIS trial, in American Society of Clinical Oncology. 
2011, Journal of Clinical Oncology: Chicago, USA. p. Abstr 4503. 
19. 
Schiller, J.H., et al., Efficacy and safety of axitinib in patients with advanced non-small-cell 
lung cancer: results from a phase II study. J Clin Oncol, 2009. 27(23): p. 3836-41. 
20. 
Cohen, E.E., et al., Axitinib is an active treatment for all histologic subtypes of advanced 
thyroid cancer: results from a phase II study. J Clin Oncol, 2008. 26(29): p. 4708-13. 
21. 
Kindler, H.L., et al., Axitinib plus gemcitabine versus placebo plus gemcitabine in patients with 
advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a double-blind randomised phase 3 study. Lancet 
Oncol, 2011. 12(3): p. 256-62. 
22. 
Fruehauf, J., et al., Multicenter, phase II study of axitinib, a selective second-generation 
inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3, in patients with metastatic 
melanoma. Clin Cancer Res, 2011. 17(23): p. 7462-9. 
23. 
Rugo, H.S., et al., Phase I trial of the oral antiangiogenesis agent AG-013736 in patients with 
advanced solid tumors: pharmacokinetic and clinical results. J Clin Oncol, 2005. 23(24): p. 
5474-83. 
24. 
Mukohara, T., et al., Effect of axitinib (AG-013736) on fatigue, thyroid-stimulating hormone, 
and biomarkers: a phase I study in Japanese patients. Cancer Sci, 2010. 101(4): p. 963-8. 
25. 
Rixe, O., et al., Axitinib treatment in patients with cytokine-refractory metastatic renal-cell 
cancer: a phase II study. Lancet Oncol, 2007. 8(11): p. 975-84. 


 
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26. 
Rini, B.I., et al., Phase II Study of Axitinib in Sorafenib-Refractory Metastatic Renal Cell 
Carcinoma. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2009. 27(27): p. 4462-4468. 
27. 
Swanton, C., et al., Predictive biomarker discovery through the parallel integration of clinical 
trial and functional genomics datasets. Genome Medicine, 2010. 2(8): p. 53. 
28. 
Eisenhauer, E.A., et al., New response evaluation criteria in solid tumours: revised RECIST 
guideline (version 1.1). Eur J Cancer, 2009. 45(2): p. 228-47. 
29. 
NCICTCAE. NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.4 data files 
2010; Available from: http://evs.nci.nih.gov/ftp1/CTCAE/About.html. 
30. 
Neves, R.J. and H. Zincke, Surgical treatment of renal cancer with vena cava extension. Br J 
Urol, 1987. 59(5): p. 390-5. 
 


 
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18. APPENDIX A: RECIST  
Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) Version 1.1 criteria should be used for the 
assessment of treatment outcomes. 
18.1. 
EVALUATION OF MEASURABLE AND NON-MEASURABLE LESIONS 
 
Measurable disease – the presence of at least one measurable lesion. If the measurable 
disease is restricted to a solitary lesion, its neoplastic nature should be confirmed by cytology / 
histology.  
 
Measurable lesions – lesions that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension with 
the longest diameter ≥ 20 mm by chest X-ray, or ≥ 10 mm by CT/MRI scan or clinical exam. 
 
Lytic bone lesions or mixed lytic-blastic lesions, with identifiable soft tissue components, that 
can be evaluated by cross sectional imaging techniques such as CT or MRI can be 
considered as measurable lesions if the soft tissue component meets the definition of 
measurability described above. 
 
‘Cystic lesions’ thought to represent cystic metastases can be considered as measurable 
lesions, if they meet the definition of measurability described above. However, if non-cystic 
lesions are present in the same patient, these are preferred for selection as target lesions. 
 
Malignant lymph nodes must be ≥15 mm in the short axis when assessed by CT scan to be 
considered measurable. 
 
Non-measurable lesions – all other lesions, including small lesions and malignant lymph 
nodes  (longest diameter <10 mm, or pathological lymph nodes with ≥10 to <15 mm short 
axis) i.e., leptomeningeal disease, ascites, pleural/pericardial effusion, inflammatory breast 
disease, lymphangitis cutis/pulmonis, cystic lesions, blastic bone lesions and also abdominal 
masses that are not confirmed and followed by imaging techniques. 
 
Tumour lesions situated in a previously irradiated area, or in an area subjected to other loco-
regional therapy, are usually not considered measurable unless there has been demonstrated 
progression in the lesion.  
 
The utilisation of endoscopy and laparoscopy for objective tumour evaluation is not advised. 
The utilisation of such techniques should be restricted to confirming complete pathological 
response when biopsies are obtained.  
18.2. 
BASELINE DOCUMENTATION OF TARGET AND NON-TARGET LESIONS 
 
Measurable lesions up to a maximum of 2 lesions per organ and 5 lesions in total 
representative of all involved organs should be identified as target lesions and recorded and 
measured at baseline. 
 
Target lesions should be selected on the basis of their size (lesions with the longest diameter), 
be representative of all involved organs, but in addition should be those that lend themselves 
to reproducible repeated measurements. It may be the case that, on occasion, the largest 


 
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lesion does not lend itself to reproducible measurement in which circumstance the next largest 
lesion which can be measured reproducibly should be selected. 
 
All measurements should be taken and recorded in metric notation, using a ruler or calipers. 
All screening evaluations should be performed as closely as possible to the beginning of 
treatment and never more than 4 weeks before the beginning of treatment. 
 
The same method of assessment and the same technique should be used to characterise 
each identified and reported lesion at baseline and during follow up. 
 
A sum of the longest diameters (LD) for all target lesions will be calculated and reported as the 
baseline sum of LD. The baseline sum LD will be used as reference by which to characterise 
the objective tumour. 
 
All other lesions (or sites of disease) should be identified as non-target lesions and should 
also be recorded at baseline. Measurements of these lesions are not required, but the 
presence or absence of each should be noted throughout follow up. In addition, it is possible 
to record multiple non-target lesions involving the same organ as a single item on the case 
record form (e.g. ‘multiple enlarged pelvic lymph nodes’ or ‘multiple liver metastases’). 
18.3. 
RESPONSE CRITERIA 
18.3.1. DOCUMENTATION OF NEW LESIONS 
 
The presence of a new lesion should be unequivocal: i.e. not attributable to differences in 
scanning technique, change in imaging modality or findings thought to represent something 
other than tumour (for example, some ‘new’ bone lesions may be simply healing or flare of 
pre-existing lesions).  
 
A lesion identified at a follow-up visit in an anatomical location that was not scanned at 
baseline is considered a new lesion and will indicate disease progression. 
18.3.2. LESIONS THAT BECOME ‘TOO SMALL TO MEASURE’ 
 
If lesions or lymph nodes recorded as target lesions at baseline become too faint on CT scan 
to assign an exact measure, a default value of 5mm should be assigned. This default value is 
derived from the 5mm CT slice thickness 
 
If it is the opinion of the radiologist that the lesion has likely disappeared, the measurement 
should be recorded as 0mm. 
 
 
 


 
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18.4. 
EVALUATION OF TARGET LESIONS 
Response 
criteria  
Evaluation of target lesions 
Complete 
Response (CR) 
Disappearance of all target lesions (lymph nodes must be <10mm short 
axis) 
Partial 
Response (PR) 
At least 30% decrease in the sum of LD of target lesions, taking as 
reference the baseline sum of LD. 
Progressive 
Disease (PD) 
At least 20% increase in the sum of LD of target lesions, taking as 
reference the smallest sum LD recorded since the treatment started and at 
least 5mm absolute increase in this sum or the appearance of one or more 
new lesions. 
Stable Disease  
(SD) 
Neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to 
qualify for PD, taking as reference the smallest sum LD since the 
treatment started. 
 
18.5. 
EVALUATION OF NON-TARGET LESIONS 
Response criteria 
Evaluation of non-target lesions 
Complete 
Response (CR) 
Disappearance of all non-target lesions 
Incomplete 
response / Stable 
disease     (SD) 
Persistence of one or more non-target lesions 
Progressive 
disease (PD) 
Appearance of one or more new lesions and/or unequivocal 
progression of existing non-target lesions * 
 
* To achieve ‘unequivocal progression’ on the basis of the non-target disease, there must be an 
overall level of substantial worsening in non-target disease such that, even in presence of SD or PR in 
target disease, the overall tumour burden has increased sufficiently to merit discontinuation of therapy. 
A modest ‘increase’ in the size of one or more non-target lesions is usually not sufficient to quality for 
unequivocal progression status. Although a clear progression of a non-target lesion is exceptional, in 
such circumstances, the opinion of the treating physician should prevail and the progression status 
should be confirmed later on by the review panel (or Chief Investigator). 


 
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18.6. 
EVALUATION OF OVERALL RESPONSE 
The table below provides a summary of the overall response calculation at each time point.  
 
Target lesions 
Non-Target lesions 
New 
Lesions 
Overall 
response 
CR 
CR 
No 
CR 
CR 
Incomplete response/SD 
No 
PR 
CR 
Not-evaluated* 
No 
PR 
PR 
Non-PD or not all evaluated 
No 
PR 
SD 
Non-PD or not all evaluated 
No 
SD 
Not all evaluated 
Non-PD 
No 
Not evaluable 
PD 
Any 
Yes or No 
PD 
Any 
PD 
Yes or No 
PD 
Any 
Any 
Yes 
PD 
 
* When no imaging/measurement is done at all at a particular time point, the patient is not evaluable 
(NE) at that time point. If only a subset of lesion measurements are made at an assessment, usually 
the case is also considered NE at that time point, unless a convincing argument can be made that the 
contribution of the individual missing lesion(s) would not change the assigned time point response.  
18.7. 
CONFIRMATION OF DISEASE PROGRESSION 
For equivocal findings of progression (e.g. very small and uncertain new lesions; cystic changes or 
necrosis in existing lesions), treatment may continue until the next scheduled assessment. If at the 
next scheduled assessment, progression is confirmed, the date of progression should be the earlier 
date when progression was suspected. 
Patients with a global deterioration of health status requiring discontinuation of treatment without 
objective evidence of disease progression at that time should be classified as having “symptomatic 
deterioration”. Every effort should be made to document the objective progression even after 
discontinuation of treatment.  
In some circumstances it may be difficult to distinguish residual disease from normal tissue. When the 
evaluation of complete response depends on this determination, it is recommended that the residual 
lesion be investigated (fine needle aspirate/biopsy) to confirm the complete response status. 


 
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18.8. 
DURATION OF OVERALL RESPONSE 
The duration of overall response is measured from the time measurement criteria are met for CR or 
PR (whichever status is recorded first) until the first date that recurrence or PD is objectively 
documented, taking as reference for PD the smallest measurements recorded since the treatment 
started. 
18.9. 
DURATION OF STABLE DISEASE 
SD is measured from the start of the treatment until the criteria for disease progression are met, taking 
as reference the smallest measurements recorded since the treatment started.  
18.10. 
EVALUATION OF BEST OVERALL RESPONSE 
The best overall response is the best response recorded from the start of the study treatment until 
disease progression.  The patient’s best overall response assignment will depend on the findings of 
both target and non-target disease and the appearance of new lesions. 
Best overall response is defined as the best response across all time points. For example, a patient 
who has SD at first assessment, PR at second assessment, and PD on last assessment has a best 
overall response of PR. 
18.11. 
CENTRAL REVIEW  
Blinded central review of objective responses will be conducted in order to protect against any 
reporting bias. 
 
 
 


 
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19. APPENDIX B  TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH STUDIES 
19.1. 
INTRODUCTION 
A key aim of this study is to evaluate changes in circulating and tumour biomarkers in relation to 
tumour response. These biomarkers are developing from ongoing whole genome functional RNAi 
studies in renal cancer model systems and from synthetic lethal mTOR inhibitor and hypoxia RNAi 
screens conducted within the Francis Crick Institute.  
The expression of these putative biomarkers of renal cancer response will be evaluated in tissue 
donated before and during treatment to define therapeutic response to treatment.  In addition, novel 
techniques (including large scale DNA sequencing and SNP genotyping analyses) will be applied to 
samples to identify whether germline DNA, genomic tumour DNA, circulating tumour DNA, and 
circulating microRNAs can guide the identification of patients with disease sensitive to axitinib and 
provide insight into resistance mechanisms associated with axitinib treatment. 
Analysis of tissue for such studies will be performed at the Francis Crick Institute.   
19.2. 
A-PREDICT LABORATORY MANUAL 
Detailed instructions for sample collection, processing, labelling, storage and transportation are 
provided in the A-PREDICT laboratory manual which is available on request from ICR-CTSU and 
should be referred to in conjunction with this protocol.  
19.3. 
TISSUE ACQUISITION AND PROCESSING AT SITE 
19.3.1. BASELINE PRIMARY TUMOUR TISSUE SAMPLE 
Image guided percutaneous biopsy of the primary tumour should be performed prior to starting 
treatment.   Five tissue cores from one needle puncture should be obtained; one should be sent for 
paraffin embedding and analysis by the local pathologist to establish a histological diagnosis.  The four 
remaining cores should be snap frozen in liquid nitrogen within 30 minutes after biopsy and stored 
at -80°C. The biopsies should be transferred to the Francis Crick Institute on dry ice.   
19.3.2. BASELINE BIOPSY OF METASTATIC SITES (OPTIONAL) 
Biopsy of a metastatic site at baseline is optional, at the discretion of the treating clinician. As many 
tissue cores as practicable (maximum of five) from one needle puncture should be obtained. All tissue 
cores should be snap frozen and stored at -80°C until transfer to the Francis Crick Institute on dry ice. 
Selected participating sites in London may be asked to place one of the metastatic biopsy samples 
into room temperature tubes containing culture medium for transportation to the Francis Crick Institute 
on the day of collection for the primary culture of malignant and stromal cells.  Tubes and culture 
medium will be supplied by Francis Crick Institute and will be collected by their staff or by tissue 
collectors employed on the A-PREDICT trial.  
19.3.3. PRIMARY TUMOUR TISSUE SAMPLE AT 8 WEEKS 
Image guided percutaneous biopsy of the primary tumour should be performed eight weeks after 
axitinib treatment commenced (day 1 week 9). Five tissue cores should be obtained; one sample will 
be sent for paraffin embedding and analysis by the local pathologist and the remaining four cores 
should be snap frozen, stored at -80°C until transfer to the Francis Crick Institute on dry ice.  


 
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19.3.4. TUMOUR TISSUE SAMPLE AT PROGRESSION 
As many tissue cores as practicable (maximum of five) from one needle puncture should be obtained, 
preferably from the site of progressive disease, at the time of tumour progression should be snap 
frozen and stored at -80°C until transfer to the Francis Crick Institute on dry ice.  If it is not possible to 
sample the site of progression, biopsies of the primary tumour tissue should be taken, and processed 
using the same method as for the baseline and eight week samples. 
19.3.5. NEPHRECTOMY SPECIMEN 
Nephrectomy specimens if available should be dissected by the local pathologist to obtain sufficient 
material for routine diagnostic purposes. Following this, separate samples from the tumour and from 
the remaining normal kidney tissue should be taken for translational research studies. These tissues 
should be snap frozen in liquid nitrogen within 1 hour after the blood supply to the kidney has been 
interrupted and stored at -80°C at the local trial centre, until transferred to the Francis Crick Institute 
on dry ice.  
Selected sites may be asked to place a nephrectomy sample into room temperature tubes containing 
culture medium for transportation to the Francis Crick Institute on the day of collection for primary 
culture of malignant and stromal cells.  Tubes and culture medium will be supplied by Francis Crick 
Institute and will be collected by their staff or by tissue collectors employed on the A-PREDICT trial. 
Trial centres should notify ICR-CTSU one week in advance of any planned surgery - see 
section 19.4 for details of expedited reporting mechanism. 
19.3.6. PALLIATIVE SURGERY SPECIMENS 
Tissue specimens from any palliative surgery should be examined by the local pathologist to obtain 
sufficient material for routine diagnostic purposes. Any additional tissue should be transferred to the 
Francis Crick Institute for translational research studies. These tissues should be snap frozen in liquid 
nitrogen immediately and stored at -80°C until transferred to the Francis Crick Institute.  
Selected participating sites may be asked to place part of the specimen into room temperature Falcon 
tubes containing culture medium for transportation to the Francis Crick Institute on the day of 
collection for primary culture of malignant and stromal cells.  Falcon tubes and culture medium will be 
supplied by Francis Crick Institute and will be collected by their staff or by tissue collectors employed 
on the A-PREDICT trial.  
Trial centres should notify ICR-CTSU one week in advance of any planned surgery - see 
section 19.4 for details of expedited reporting mechanism. 
19.3.7. PARAFFIN EMBEDDED TISSUE SECTIONS 
Paraffin embedded core biopsies and nephrectomy specimens that are no longer needed by the local 
pathologist for diagnostic purposes may be requested and transferred to the Francis Crick Institute as 
required.  
19.3.8. BLOOD AND URINE COLLECTION AND PROCESSING 
Venous blood for biomarker analysis will be collected in EDTA tubes. Two tubes will be collected on 
day 1 week 1 prior to starting axitinib treatment, two tubes at the day 1 week 9 biopsy, and two at 
disease progression.  


 
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Immediate processing of blood samples must be undertaken locally. Detailed instructions for blood 
processing are contained in the laboratory manual.    
Urine samples will also be collected on day 1 week 1, day 1 week 9, and at disease progression. 
Samples should be stored at -80°C at trial centres until transfer to Francis Crick Institute. 
Each specimen container should be labelled as specified in the laboratory manual. Labels will be 
supplied by the ICR-CTSU as part of the sample collection kits. 
19.3.9. STORAGE AND COLLECTION OF SAMPLES 
Blood, urine and tissue samples should be stored at local trial centres in a -80°C freezer and 
transferred in batches when requested to the Francis Crick Institute on dry ice if not part of the fresh 
tissue for cell culture study.  
 
 


 
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19.3.10. 
TRANSLATIONAL SAMPLE SCHEDULE 
 
19.4. 
SAMPLE TRACKING 
Sites will be required to record the collection of participants’ samples on an electronic reporting form 
which will enable tracking of samples by the Francis Crick Institute and ICR-CTSU 
19.4.1. TRACKING OF BASELINE SAMPLES FOR INELIGIBLE PATIENTS 
In order to minimise invasive procedures, patients will be consented for the trial prior to obtaining both 
the standard diagnostic biopsy sample and baseline translational study research biopsies.  Patients 
will be asked to provide consent for the research samples to be sent to the Francis Crick Institute 
should histological examination of the diagnostic sample show that the patient is ineligible for A-
PREDICT.  Collection of these samples should be notified to the ICR Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit 
(ICR-CTSU) by telephoning:  
020 8643 7150 
09.00-17.00 (UK time) Monday to Friday 
The following information will be required: 
 
Centre name 
Visit/Assessment 
Within 21 days prior 
to registration 
Pre-treatment day 1 
week 1 
Day 1 week 9 
Disease progression 
Percutaneous image guided biopsy of non-necrotic 
region of primary renal tumour 
(5 cores, 1 to be sent to pathology for paraffin 
embedding, 4 to be snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and 
stored at -80°C) 
X 
 
X 
 
Percutaneous image guided biopsy of one metastatic 
site (up to 5 cores to be snap frozen in liquid nitrogen 
and stored at -80°C) (OPTIONAL). 
X 
 
 
 
Percutaneous image guided biopsy of site of 
progression, or if not possible, of non-necrotic region 
of primary renal tumour (up to 5 cores to be snap 
frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C) 
 
 
 
X 
2 EDTA  tube blood samples spun down to obtain 
serum (serum to be stored at -80°C) 
 
X 
X 
X 
Urine sample (1 container to be stored at -80°C) 
 
X 
X 
X 


 
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 
Confirmation of written informed consent 
 
Patient’s gender 
 
Patient’s date of birth 
This notification will allow these samples to be tracked by the Francis Crick Institute and ICR-CTSU. 
19.5. 
EXPEDITED REPORTING OF FRESH TUMOUR TISSUE COLLECTION, PLANNED 
NEPHRECTOMY OR OTHER PALLIATIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURES 
All participating sites must notify ICR-CTSU at least one week in advance of the date of planned 
nephrectomy or other palliative surgery.   
Centres should notify ICR-CTSU of the planned procedures detailed above, by completing the A-
PREDICT expedited notification of tissue collection form (included in laboratory manual) and faxing it 
to: 
 
 
 
19.6. 
SAMPLE PROCESSING AT THE FRANCIS CRICK INSTITUTE (FORMERLY THE 
LONDON RESEARCH INSTITUTE) 
19.6.1. CORE BIOPSY AND NEPHRECTOMY SPECIMENS 
Processing of core biopsy, nephrectomy and surgical specimens will be conducted at the Francis 
Crick Institute. Microdissection of tumour samples will be performed to separate malignant cells from 
associated stromal components and RNA and DNA from each will be extracted immediately after 
dissection according to GLP standards. 
All samples will be catalogued in an electronic database at the Francis Crick Institute. The time from 
core biopsy collection to snap freezing and from ischaemia to snap freezing for nephrectomy 
specimens will be recorded on a database. All tissues will be stored in an alarmed and locked -80°C 
freezer which is dedicated to the storage of clinical trial patient samples. 
19.7. 
ANALYSIS OF TUMOUR TISSUES 
Tumour tissue analysis aims to correlate changes in biomarkers with toxicity, response to axitinib 
treatment and survival. 
The techniques below may be used to explore this endpoint and are based on the current literature. 
Equivalent novel methods and technologies might be used at the time of analysis.   
19.7.1. RNA AND MIRNA EXPRESSION ANALYSIS 
Total RNA from renal specimens will be isolated from tissue obtained before and after Axitinib 
exposure and at the time of tumour progression. The effects of Axitinib on changes in genome wide 
and targeted gene expression patterns in malignant cells and tumour stroma will be analysed by RNA 
expression analysis and the expression patterns of these tissues will be compared between 
0208 722 4368 
For the attention of the A-PREDICT Trial team  


 
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responding patients, those who achieve disease stabilization and those who progress despite Axitinib 
treatment.  
19.7.2. TUMOUR DNA SEQUENCE AND COPY NUMBER ANALYSIS 
Whole genome sequencing of tumour tissue DNA and RNA using deep sequencing technology) will 
also be conducted. Sequencing will include but not be restricted to regulators of VEGFR, PI3K, 
mTOR, S6K and VHL pathways including novel regulators of mTOR/S6K pathway signaling identified 
from functional genomic datasets to identify candidate genes associated with resistance and 
sensitivity prior to and after axitinib treatment. Tumours will also be profiled for chromosomal 
numerical heterogeneity status by FISH and for gene copy number variations  
19.7.3. DATA ANALYSIS OF GENETIC HIGH-THROUGHPUT METHODS 
The data from the high-throughput methods described above will be analysed by the bioinformatics 
group at the Francis Crick Institute. Pre-treatment expression signatures and changes in expression 
levels on treatment will be correlated with clinical response, primary resistance and to the 
development of secondary resistance to axitinib treatment as assessed by CT scanning. Gene specific 
quantitative rtPCR analyses will be used to validate expression data from the high-throughput assays 
and to correlate findings from whole genome RNAi analyses performed in renal cancer models in vitro. 
19.7.4.  TUMOUR IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY AND IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION 
Molecular analyses of any additional paraffin embedded tissue sections  may be carried out to 
determine the effects of axitinib on changes in the phosphorylation status of proteins in the mTOR 
signaling pathway in tumour tissue (to include PTEN, p-AKT, p-PRAS40, p-70S6K, p-S6RP, p-4E-
BP1) and to determine the effects of axitinib on changes in the levels of target genes and proteins in 
the VHL-HIF pathway in tumour tissue (to include VHL, HIF, VEGF family, GLUT-1). Additional 
pathways may be evaluated based on the contemporary literature at the time of analysis.  
19.8. 
ANALYSIS OF BLOOD SAMPLES 
One blood sample (taken at baseline) will be analysed for genomic DNA, and two blood samples 
taken at day 1 week 1, day 1 week 8 and disease progression will be analysed for circulating 
biomarkers, including circulating angiogenic markers, microRNA and tumour DNA.  
Plasma levels of VEGF, PIGF, sVEGFR1-3 and new regulators of angiogenesis will be measured by 
ELISA analysis of plasma samples collected immediately before starting axitinib and on treatment. 
High-throughput deep-proteome analysis will be used to identify new protein biomarkers that predict 
axitinib sensitivity and resistance.  
Total RNA from human blood will be isolated before and after axitinib exposure and RNA 
concentration will be quantified. Differential miRNA expression will be analysed and results will be 
compared with miRNA expression in matched tumour samples and data analysed in the 
Bioinformatics department at the Francis Crick Institute. 
Circulating tumour DNA will be quantified to analyse tumour dynamics during axitinib treatment. 
Circulating cell-free DNA will be isolated from plasma samples after double centrifugation to remove 
any cellular components and debris and the amount of circulating DNA of mutated genes that were 
identified in the tumour DNA sequencing project will be quantified by real time PCR analysis and 
BEAM or by Solexa (Illumina, San Diego, USA) high throughput sequencing techniques.   


 
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Isolation and analysis of genomic DNA in parallel with tumour DNA will be important to validate tumour 
specific genomic copy number changes. Genomic DNA will be isolated by standard protocols from 
white blood cells that were extracted from peripheral blood by centrifugation. 
The specific techniques which will be utilised are based on the current literature, but equivalent novel 
methods and technologies might be used at the time of analysis.