Clinical trial NCT02316340
Conditions: Colorectal Cancer
Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Start date: 2015-02-11; Completion date: 2018-04-16
Enrollment: 42 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: CROSSOVER

Brief summary:
This will be a randomized phase II clinical trial of patients with histologic documentation of metastatic colorectal cancer, who have received local and currently approved standard therapies, excluding RGF.

Detailed description:
The investigators will give VOR 400 mg PO daily and HCQ 600 mg PO daily in 4-week cycles. Patients will require imaging up to 6 weeks prior to enrollment and will be assessed for measureable evidence of mCRC. This will be a randomized, controlled phase II clinical trial of patients with histological documentation of metastatic colorectal cancer, who have received locally and currently approved standard therapies, excluding RGF. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to RGF or VOR/HCQ (see schema below). Also, crossover is optional after first progression on the initial therapy, and based on physician discretion and in the best interest of the patient. If crossover is not done, then the patient will be off study and can go on to receive other treatments.

Arms: arm 1: Patients will be given vorinostat 400 mg daily and hydroxychloroquine 600 mg daily in 4 week cycles. arm 2: Patients will be given oral RGF 160 mg daily for 3 weeks in 4 week cycles.
Interventions: intervention 1: Vorinostat intervention 2: Hydroxychloroquine intervention 3: Regorafenib
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: 400mg by mouth daily intervention 2: 600mg by mouth daily intervention 3: 160 mg by mouth daily

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
1  
  
 
 
 
 
COVER PAGE FOR PROTOCOL AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS 
PLAN 
 
 
 
 
 
Official Study Title: Modulation of Autophagy: A Clinical Study of 
Vorinostat Plus Hydroxychloroquine Versus Regorafenib in Refractory 
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) Patients 
 
NCT number: NCT02316340 
 
IRB Approval Date: 06.14.2017 
 
Unique Protocol ID: CTMS# 14-2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2  
  
Modulation of Autophagy: A Clinical Study of Vorinostat plus Hydroxychloroquine versus 
Regorafenib in Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) Patients  
  
  
Date:  June 14, 2017  
  
Coordinating Institution:  
UT Health Cancer Center, 7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229  
  
Study Chairperson: Dr. Sukeshi Patel Arora  
Phone: 210-450-1015  
  
Study Statistician: Joel Michalek, PhD   
  
Protocol ID: CTMS# 14-2015  
  
Protocol Amendment 5.0  
Protocol Amendment 4.0  
Protocol Amendment 3.0  
Protocol Amendment 2.0  
Protocol Version 1.0      
  
  
  
  
    
INVESTIGATOR’S AGREEMENT  
  
I have read and understand the contents of this clinical protocol for Protocol UT Health Cancer 
Center CTMS#14-2015 and will adhere to the study requirements as presented, including all 
statements regarding confidentially. In addition, I will conduct the study in accordance with 
current international conference on harmonization (ICH) guidance, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) 
guidance, the Declaration of Helsinki, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and 
local IRB and legal requirements.  
  
Name of Clinical Investigator: ____________________________________________________  
Institution: ____________________________________________________________________  
  
 
Investigator Signature: _______________  
 _____________________ Date:_______________  


3  
  
ABBREVIATIONS   
  
 
AE  
  
  
  
Adverse Event  
 
BISR   
  
  
Biostatistics and Informatics Shared Resource  
 
CAI    
  
  
Corrective Action Item  
 
DSM   
  
  
Data Safety Monitoring  
 
DSMB   
  
  
Data Safety Monitoring Board  
 
DSMC   
  
  
Data Safety Monitoring Committee   
 
DSMP   
  
  
Data Safety and Monitoring Plan  
 
DSO    
  
  
Data and Safety Officer  
 
DQA   
  
  
Director of Quality Assurance  
 
FDA    
  
  
Food and Drug Administration  
  
 
GCP    
  
  
Good Clinical Practice  
 
IDD    
  
  
Institute for Drug Development (UT Health Cancer Center)  
 
IDEAS 
  
  
Informatics Data Exchange Acquisition System  
 
IIS  
  
  
  
Investigator Initiated Protocol  
IND  
  
  
  
Investigational New Drug 
IRB  
  
  
  
Institutional Review Board  
NCI    National Cancer Institute QAD    Quality Assurance 
Division  
 
PALS   
  
  
Priority of Audit Level Score  
 
PI  
  
  
  
Principal Investigator  
 
PSD    
  
  
Pharmacokinetic Sampling Department  
  
 
SAE    
  
  
Serious Adverse Event  
UPIRSO    
  
Unanticipated Problem Involving Risks to Subjects or Others  Table of 
Contents:  
  
1.0 Synopsis 
4 
2.0 Background 
14 
2.1 Metastatic colorectal cancer: 
14 
2.2 VEGF inhibition in mCRC: 
14 
2.3 Autophagy as a mechanism for cancer survival: 
16 
2.4 Rationale for combining VOR and HCQ 
18 
2.6. Correlative Studies 
21 
3.0 Statement of Study Objectives 
23 
5.0 Study Design: 
25 
5.3 Treatment Requirements 
26 
5.3.1 Duration of Intervention and Evaluation: 
26 


4  
  
5.3.4  Concomitant Medications and Supportive Care Guidelines 
28 
5.4.1 Major Events 
30 
5.4.2 Dose Reduction for VOR and/or HCQ (see Table 2) 
30 
5.4.3 Dose Modification for RGF (Table 3) 
31 
5.5 Use of Hematologic Growth Factors 
32 
5.6 Pharmaceutical Information 
32 
5.6.1 Hydroxychloroquine 
32 
5.6.2 Vorinostat 
33 
5.6.3 Regorafenib 
36 
5.8 Biomarker Analysis 
41 
6.0 Schedule of events: 
42 
6.1 AE /SAE Relationship 
46 
6.2 Measurement of Effect 
47 
7.0 Data Collection 
47 
8.0 Data and Safety Monitoring Plan 
47 
9.0 Minority Recruitment Plan 
54 
10.0 Statistical Section 
56 
11.0 References/Bibliography 
58 
12.0 Appendices 
65 
12.1  RECIST 1.1 criteria for Measurement of Effect 
65 
12.2 ECOG Performance Status 
65 
12.3 Handout for patients randomized to the regorafenib arm 
65 
13.0 Protocol Amendment Summary 
68 
 
  
  
  
1.0 Synopsis  
  


5  
  
Title of Study: Modulation of autophagy: A clinical study of vorinostat plus 
hydroxychloroquine versus Regorafenib in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer 
(mCRC) patients.  
  
Investigators: PI: Sukeshi Patel Arora, MD  
Statistician: Joel Michalek, PhD  
  
Study Center(s): UT Health Cancer Center  
  
Concept and Rationale: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of 
cancer death in the United States (1).  Recently, Regorafenib (RGF), an oral multi-kinase 
inhibitor with predominant angiogenic or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 
inhibition, was approved for patients with mCRC who have progressed on standard 
therapies, including anti-VEGF agent bevacizumab (2).  Compared to placebo, the phase  
III CORRECT study showed RGF improved median overall survival (mOS) from 5.0 to 
6.4 months (mo) and median progression-free survival (mPFS) from 1.7 to 1.9 mo, 
regardless of K-Ras mutational status (3).  Given the modest improvements in survival 
and clinical studies showing lack of efficacy with continued VEGF inhibition following 
progression of anti-VEGF therapies, such as bevacizumab, novel therapies continue to be 
desperately needed in the third-line setting (4).  Investigators at our institution have 
shown that autophagy inhibition using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) enhanced the 
apoptotic activity of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, vorinostat (VOR), via 
ubiquitinated protein accumulation in pre-clinical CRC models (5). Based on this 
preclinical data, we completed an NIH-funded phase I clinical study evaluating the safety, 
efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of the combination VOR and HCQ and found that patients 
with mCRC obtain prolonged clinical benefit with the combination therapy with VOR and 
HCQ (6). This study led to a Phase II single-arm study of VOR 400 mg PO (orally) daily 
plus HCQ 600 mg PO daily in patients with mCRC, which has completed accrual of a 
planned 18 patients but follow-up is presently on going. To date, 5 patients have received 
6+ cycles (preliminary mPFS of >3 months), further supporting its activity in mCRC.    
  
Further evaluation of biomarkers of autophagy, such as cathepsin D, and biomarkers of 
VOR, CDKN1A, that correlate with improved efficacy will help identify patients who 
benefit from autophagy inhibition (6).  The expression of high-mobility group box 1 
(HMGB1) increases with autophagy in CRC, and HMGB1 acts upon binding to RAGE 
(“receptor for advanced glucated end products”) (7, 8).    
  
In addition, HDAC has been well-recognized as potential targets for the treatment of 
numerous aging-related disorders (9) such as cancer (10). Therefore, we plan to evaluate 
the potential role of biomarkers of aging with the combination of HCQ plus VOR.  
  
These findings support a phase II study VOR/HCQ versus standard therapy RGF in 
patients failing standard therapies.  
  


6  
  
We hypothesize that VOR/HCQ will have improved efficacy when compared to RGF in 
treatment-refractory mCRC patients. This hypothesis is based on the observations that:  
1. In refractory mCRC patients, the role of continued VEGF inhibition in mCRC has 
not been established (4).   
2. Only a modest improvement in survival was reported with the use of RGF, an oral 
multi-kinase inhibitor with predominantly angiogenic inhibition, for mCRC 
patients who have failed standard therapies (3).   
3. Autophagy inhibition enhances vorinostat-induced apoptosis via ubiquitinated 
protein accumulation in CRC models pre-clinically (5).  
4. Clinical activity based on treatment-refractory mCRC patients enrolled in phase I 
(6) and the ongoing single arm Phase II study of VOR with HCQ therapy suggests 
a median PFS of > 3 months.  
  
Our overall objective is to answer these questions: will VOR/HCQ be more efficacious 
than RGF, will VOR/HCQ be safe, and can biomarkers be identified that will predict 
clinical efficacy of VOR/HCQ and RGF in refractory mCRC patients?  
  
Primary Objective(s):    
• To determine the clinical efficacy with progression-free survival (PFS-1) of the 
combination of VOR plus HCQ when compared to RGF in treatment-refractory 
mCRC.  
  
Secondary Objective(s):   
• 
To determine the overall survival in refractory mCRC patients receiving VOR 
plus HCQ when compared to RGF.  
• 
To determine the progression-free survival (PFS-2) of the crossover treatment, 
which is optional.  
• 
To evaluate the tumor response rate in refractory mCRC patients receiving VOR 
plus HCQ when compared to RGF.  
• 
To further define the safety of the combination of VOR/HCQ when compared to 
RGF in treatment-refractory mCRC.    
• 
To identify biomarkers of autophagy and anti-angiogenic inhibition that are 
associated with clinical efficacy of VOR/HCQ and RGF, respectively, in mCRC.  
  
Primary Endpoint(s):   
• PFS-1:  measured from the start of the first treatment the patient is randomized to until 
the date the criteria for progression are met or the date the patient is taken off study 
for any reason, whichever is shorter.  
  
Secondary Endpoint(s):   
• 
OS: measured from the start of treatment on trial until the death of the patient.  
• 
mPFS-2: measured from the start of the crossover treatment (second regimen, which is 
optional) until the date the criteria for progression are met or the date the patient is 
taken off study for any reason, whichever is shorter.  


7  
  
• 
Response: measured as best response, complete response (CR) or partial response 
(PR), as defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) 
Committee.  
• 
Adverse events: grade 1-5 adverse events according to the National Cancer Institute 
Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) v4.0; measured at 
baseline, each cycle, and at off study date.  
• 
Biomarkers of efficacy of VOR/HCQ and RGF: evaluate biomarkers of autophagy and 
anti-angiogenic inhibition that are associated with clinical efficacy of VOR/HCQ and 
RGF, respectively, in mCRC.  
  
Study Design:   
This will be a randomized phase II clinical trial of patients with histologic documentation 
of metastatic colorectal cancer, who have received local and currently approved standard 
therapies, excluding RGF. We will give VOR 400 mg PO daily and HCQ 600 mg PO 
daily in 4-week cycles. Patients will require imaging up to 6 weeks prior to enrollment 
and will be assessed for measureable evidence of mCRC.  This will be a randomized, 
controlled phase II clinical trial of patients with histological documentation of metastatic 
colorectal cancer, who have received locally and currently approved standard therapies, 
excluding RGF. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to RGF or VOR/HCQ (see schema 
below). Also, crossover is optional after first progression on the initial therapy, and based 
on physician discretion and in the best interest of the patient.  If crossover is not done, 
then the patient will be off study and can go on to receive other treatments.  
  
Schema:  
  
**Crossover is optional and at the discretion of the physician and in the best interest  
for the patient  
  


8  
  
Number of Patients: Historically, the mPFS for previously treated mCRC patients 
treated with RGF is 1.9 mos.  We predict VOR/HCQ will improve mPFS to 3.8 months.   
We expect 5% lost to follow-up.  Assuming a 36-month accrual period with 1 year for 
follow up, 36 subjects per group are necessary to obtain 80% power. With 5% lost to  
follow-up the sample size required per group is 38 (=36/0.95), therefore, the total required 
sample size is 76 subjects.  As a result, the target accrual rate is 2-4 patients/month to 
achieve a target accrual at 36 months with an additional 12-month follow-up.     
  


9  
  
Main Criteria for Inclusion/Exclusion:  Inclusion 
Criteria:  
1. Histological documentation of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).  
2. ECOG performance status of 0-2.   
3. Radiographical documentation of metastatic disease with imaging up to 6 weeks prior 
to enrollment.  
4. Patients with mCRC must have been previously treated with irinotecan and/or 
oxaliplatin and/or VEGF/EGFR therapy or intolerant to these agents  
5. Documentation of K-Ras mutational status  
6. Adequate hematologic, renal and liver function (i.e. absolute neutrophil count >  
1000/mm3, platelets > 75,000/mm3); creatinine < 2 times the upper limits of normal 
(ULN) total bilirubin < 1.5 mg/dl, ALT and AST< 3 times above the ULN, ALT and 
AST can be < 5 times ULN if patients have hepatic involvement.  
7. Able to provide written informed consent.  
8. Patients with the potential for pregnancy or impregnating their partner must agree to 
follow acceptable birth control methods to avoid conception. Women of childbearing 
potential must have a negative pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to receiving the 
investigational product.   
9. Tumor blocks available from previous surgery/biopsy, or if not available, patients 
willing to have biopsy.  
  
Exclusion Criteria:  
1. Patients receiving prior therapy with RGF, VOR, and/or HCQ.  
2. Patients with uncontrolled brain metastases. Patients with brain metastases must be 
asymptomatic and off corticosteroids for at least one week.  
3. Due to risk of disease exacerbation, patients with porphyria are not eligible.  
4. Due to risk of disease exacerbation, patients with psoriasis are ineligible unless the 
disease is well controlled, and they are under the care of a specialist for the disorder 
who agrees to monitor the patient for exacerbations.  
5. Patients with previously documented macular degeneration or untreated diabetic 
retinopathy (stable retinopathy is allowed).  
6. Patients who have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy within 2 weeks (6 weeks for 
nitrosoureas or mitomycin C) prior to entering the study. For investigational targeted 
therapies, patients will need to clear for 5 half-lives (not applicable to standard of care 
therapies).  
7. Patients may not be receiving any other investigational agents.  
8. Patients should not have taken valproic acid or another histone deacetylase inhibitor 
for at least 2 weeks prior to enrollment.  
9. History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic 
composition to VOR or HCQ.  
10. Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active 
infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac  


10  
  
arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with 
study requirements  
11. Major surgery or significant traumatic injury occurring within 21 days prior to 
treatment.  
12. QTc > 500 ms at baseline.   
13. Gastrointestinal tract disease resulting in an inability to take oral medication or a 
requirement for IV alimentation, prior surgical procedures affecting absorption, or 
active peptic ulcer disease. Patients with NG-tube, J-tube, or G-tube will not be 
allowed to participate.   
14. Pregnant women are excluded from this study because vorinostat has the potential for 
teratogenic or abortifacient effects. For this reason, women of childbearing potential 
and men must also agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of 
birth control) prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation.   
15. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in 
this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately. Because there is an 
unknown but potential risk for adverse events in nursing infants secondary to 
treatment of the mother with vorinostat, breastfeeding should be discontinued.  
16. Informed Consent - No study specific procedures will be performed without a written 
and signed informed consent document. Patients who do not demonstrate the ability to 
understand or the willingness to sign the written informed consent document will be 
excluded from study entry.  
  
Inclusion of Women and Minorities:  
Both men and women and members of all ethnic groups are eligible for this trial.  
  
Intervention and Mode of Delivery: If randomized to VOR/HCQ arm, we will 
administer VOR 400 mg PO daily and HCQ 600 mg PO daily in 4-week cycles. If 
randomized to RGF arm, we will administer RGF 160 mg PO daily for 3 weeks, of a 
4week cycle. Crossover to the other arm will be allowed, and is OPTIONAL, if the patient 
has disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.  The option to get the crossover 
treatment will be left to the physician discretion, and if in the best interest of the patient.  
  
Duration of Intervention and Evaluation: Follow-up: A repeat CT scan will be 
performed after 2 cycles of treatment regimen to evaluate response based on RECIST 1.1 
criteria.  CT scans will be repeated at least every 2 cycles, or 8 weeks, to ensure no 
progression of disease. Patients will continue VOR/HCQ or RGF until disease 
progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal of consent by the patient, or decision of 
physician for patient’s best interest. Crossover to the other arm will be allowed, but 
OPTIONAL, and will be determined by the treating physician for the patient’s best 
interest. Each patient will be followed for 1 year. We will follow the last patient for 12 
months, at which time, the study will be completed for data analysis.    
  
Interim analysis: The O'Brien-Fleming procedure will be used to conduct an interim 
analyses for efficacy when 50% of the patients complete the study.  A statistical basis for 
stopping the study at the first look will be achieved if the test statistic indicates benefit in 
the VOR/HCQ Arm and exceeds 2.96259, corresponding to a significance level of 0.003.  


11  
  
If the test statistic does not exceed 2.96259 at the first look then the trial will proceed to 
the final analysis. A treatment effect will be declared significant and beneficial at the final 
analysis if the test statistic indicates benefit and exceeds 1.96857, corresponding to a 
significance level of 0.047.  If a treatment effect is not declared at the interim analysis, a 
statistical basis for stopping the study for futility will be attained if the conditional power 
is less than or equal to 20%.  
  


12  
  
Statistical Methods:   
Analytic plan for primary objective:   
• 
mPFS-1: Historically, the mPFS for previously treated mCRC patients treated with 
RGF is 1.9 mos.  We predict VOR/HCQ will improve mPFS to 3.8 months.   We 
expect 5% lost to follow-up.  Assuming a 36-month accrual period with 1 year for 
follow up, 36 subjects per group are necessary to obtain 80% power. With 5% lost to 
follow-up the sample size required per group is 38 (=36/0.95), therefore, the total 
required sample size is 76 subjects.  As a result, the target accrual rate is 2-4 
patients/month to achieve a target accrual at 36 months with an additional 12-month 
follow-up.     
  
Interim analysis:  The O'Brien-Fleming procedure will be used to conduct an interim 
analyses for efficacy when 50% of the patients complete the study.  A statistical basis for 
stopping the study at the first look will be achieved if the test statistic indicates benefit in 
the VOR/HCQ Arm and exceeds 2.96259, corresponding to a significance level of 0.003. 
If the test statistic does not exceed 2.96259 at the first look then the trial will proceed to 
the final analysis. A treatment effect will be declared significant and beneficial at the final 
analysis if the test statistic indicates benefit and exceeds 1.96857, corresponding to a 
significance level of 0.047. If a treatment effect is not declared at the interim analysis, a 
statistical basis for stopping the study for futility will be attained if the conditional power 
is less than or equal to 20%.  
  
Analytic plan for secondary objectives:  
• 
OS: The analyses of median OS will be performed in the intent-to-treat population.  
OS will be illustrated with Kaplan-Meier plots, the estimate of median OS with its 
95% confidence interval.    
• 
mPFS-2: The analyses of median PFS-2 will be performed in the crossover population 
(crossover is optional).  mPFS-2 will be illustrated with Kaplan-Meier plots, the 
estimate of median PFS-2 with its 95% confidence interval.  Treatment groups will be 
contrasted with regard to the response rate with a logistic regression model adjusted 
for age, sex, race and the baseline tumor K-RAS status (mutated, wild type); the odds 
ratio, its 95% confidence interval, and the p-value for testing the null hypothesis that 
the log odds ratio is zero will be presented.  If the logistic model fails due to small cell 
counts then treatments will be contrasted with regard to response using Fisher’s Exact 
Test.   
• 
Response rates: Response rates will be measured as the proportion of patients with the 
best response, complete response (CR) or partial response (PR), as defined by RECIST 
1.1 Criteria and a 95% confidence interval.  
• 
Adverse events: All adverse events will be listed by type and grade.    


13  
  
• Biomarkers of efficacy of VOR/HCQ and RGF:  The significance of variation in 
biomarkers with treatment will be assessed with linear models with and without 
adjustment for age, sex, race and the baseline tumor K-RAS status (mutated, wild 
type).  The dependent variables will be log transformed (base 2) if necessary.  The 
relation between treatment efficacy, as measured by PFS-1, and biomarkers will be 
assessed with proportional hazards models in terms of treatment, the biomarker, the 
biomarker by treatment interaction, age, sex, race, and baseline tumor K-RAS status  
(mutated, wild type).  Significant effects will be described and illustrated, as 
appropriate, with Kaplan Meier plots by strata determined by biomarker level and 
treatment group, for example.  
  
Sample size justification: Historically, the mPFS for previously treated mCRC patients 
treated with RGF is 1.9 mos.  We predict VOR/HCQ will improve mPFS to 3.8 months.   
We expect 5% lost to follow-up.  Assuming a 36-month accrual period with 1 year for 
follow up, 36 subjects per group are necessary to obtain 80% power. With 5% lost to 
follow-up the sample size required per group is 38 (=36/0.95), therefore, the total required 
sample size is 76 subjects.  As a result, the target accrual rate is 2-4 patients/month to 
achieve a target accrual at 36 months with an additional 12-month follow-up.  
  
Funding, Regulatory, and Feasibility Issues: The study will be funded by a CPRIT 
grant.  We previously obtained VOR through Merck Pharmaceuticals for both our phase 1 
and 2 studies. However, with VOR coming off patent in late 2014, the purchase of 
generic VOR at low cost is likely. HCQ is already being purchased at low market cost 
(<$50/month per patient. Thus, the VOR/HCQ combination provides a cost-effective 
study drug combination. We have a large referral volume of mCRC patients to our 
institution for consideration of clinical studies, therefore we do not expect problems with 
enrollment since we currently enroll 3-4 refractory mCRC patients/month onto phase I 
clinical trials.  
  
Patient Acceptability/Ethics and Consent Issues: The combination of VOR/HCQ will 
be given in the third-line setting to patients with refractory mCRC failing first- and 
second-line therapies; therefore, this treatment competes with RGF or best supportive 
care. Since there is a clear need to identify better treatments to improve survival in mCRC, 
this study gives patients a treatment that is likely superior, based on preliminary data, 
when compared to current standard of care.  Stopping rules are in place for lack of 
efficacy, as discussed above.  We expect that VOR/HCQ will be well tolerated based on 
our Phase I and II preliminary data, with no grade 4 or 5 adverse events observed. 
However, if there is unexpected toxicity, there will be early stopping for toxicity as 
follows:  
  
Early stopping for toxicity: The stopping rule for toxicity is not based on conditional 
statistical power but rather on observed adverse events.  A toxicity event for the purposes 
of safety stopping is defined as a grade 4 or 5 toxicity of any kind due to treatment with 
VOR and/or HCQ.  If at any time during the study there are 2 or more grade 5 toxicities 
that are attributed to VOR and/or HCQ, then the study will be terminated.  If > 50% of 
patients are having similar type of grade 3 and 4 toxicity, then the study will be  


14  
  
terminated.  If HCQ causes grade 4 peripheral retinal toxicity, there will be prompt drug 
discontinuation and ophthalmologic evaluation, with consideration for termination of study.  
  
Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB): All protocols conducted at UT Health  
Cancer Center is covered under the auspices of the Institutional Data Safety Monitoring 
Plan (DSMP).  The Institutional DSMP global policies provide individual trials with 
institutional policies and procedures, as well as monitoring adverse events of study agents 
that are overseen by the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB). Baseline events and 
adverse events will be captured using the Master Adverse Events Document for each 
patient. The PI will work closely with the DSMB to ensure all safety requirements for this 
study are met. The DSMB will meet every 6 months to discuss the safety update of this 
study.  
  
2.0 Background  
2.1 Metastatic colorectal cancer:   
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, with 
20% of patients presenting with distant metastatic disease at the time of presentation (1). Patients 
with distant metastases have a 5-year survival rate of 13%, indicating the need for better 
treatments to improve survival in patients with mCRC.   
  
2.2 VEGF inhibition in mCRC:    
The VEGF pathway is essential to angiogenesis, a process that is exploited by cancer for cell 
proliferation and growth (13-15).  Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, including colorectal 
cancer, have been shown to express VEGF (16).  Thus, this led to the initial phase II study of 
bevacizumab with a chemotherapy backbone showing encouraging improvements in survival and 
serving as groundwork for future studies (17). Agents targeting the angiogenic pathway have 
been the cornerstone of mCRC treatment for the last 10 years. Standard therapy includes 
systemic chemotherapy, in combination or in sequence, consisting of fluoropyrimidines, 
oxaliplatin, and irinotecan with monoclonal antibodies that target VEGF, bevacizumab or 
zivaflibercept (18). The benefit of adding bevacizumab was first demonstrated in the AVF2017 
phase III study of 813 previously untreated patients randomized to irinotecan plus bolus 
fluorouracil and leucovorin (IFL) with placebo or bevacizumab. The study showed improvement 
with bevacizumab in median overall survival (mOS) (15.6 to 20.3 months, P<0.001) and in 
median progression-free survival (mPFS) (6.2 to 10.6 months, P<0.001) (19).  Based on this 
study, the US FDA approved bevacizumab in 2004 as a first-line treatment for mCRC in 
combination with chemotherapy. In 2004, the N9741 study reported that IFL was an inferior 
backbone compared to fluorouracil, folinic acid, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) which led to most 
US physician adopting FOLFOX as their preferred first line regimen (20).   
  
The well-designed first-line NO16966 trial randomized, in a 2 x 2 factorial design, 1401 
previously untreated mCRC patients either to capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) or 
FOLFOX4, and then to bevacizumab or placebo.  Adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy 
increased mPFS from 8.0 to 9.4 months (P=0.0023) and mOS from 19.9 to 21.3 months 
(P=0.077); despite a statistically significant improvement in PFS, a similar improvement in OS 
was not observed (21).  Subsequent studies showed similar efficacy of the FOLFIRI and 


15  
  
FOLFOX regimens in chemotherapy-naïve mCRC patients (22, 23); consequently, bevacizumab 
is often combined with either FOLFOX or FOLFIRI chemotherapy. Results of these and other 
studies have been the basis for the prominent role of VEGF inhibition in bevacizumab-naïve 
mCRC patients (24, 25).    
  
Preclinical and clinical observations suggested a rebound or flare-up of angiogenesis when 
VEGF-targeted therapy was withheld (26, 27).  Such findings favored continuing anti-angiogenic 
therapy after initial clinical and/or radiological progression in the first- or second-line setting. 
After first progression on prior chemotherapy with three or more months of bevacizumab, the  
TML study was the first prospective study to show improvement in mPFS, 4.1 versus 5.7 months 
(P<0.0001), and mOS, 9.8 versus 11.2 months (P=0.0062), favoring bevacizumab continuation 
when combined with chemotherapy backbone (28), although statistically significant, gains in 
mOS were modest.  Conversely, the phase III GONO trial randomized mCRC patients treated 
first-line with bevacizumab and fluoropyrimidines (FOLFIRI, FOLFOX or FOLFOXIRI) to 
receive mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI with or without bevacizumab.  mPFS improved from 5.0 to 6.7 
months with bevacizumab (P=0.0065), but mOS was 14.3 versus 15.9 months (P=0.11) (29).  
The improvement of 1.6 months in mOS was not statistically significant. Despite this very modest 
difference in OS, many clinicians choose to continue patients on VEGF inhibitors.      
  
These landmark clinical trials have demonstrated that gains from VEGF inhibition seem to 
diminish when used beyond first progression, with some phase III studies showing better mPFS 
with VEGF inhibition, while no difference in mOS was observed (21, 29).  
  
2.2.1 VEGF inhibition in refractory mCRC:    
In refractory mCRC, the role of VEGF inhibition in mCRC patients has not been established 
(30). Recently, Regorafenib (RGF), an oral multi-kinase inhibitor, including  with angiogenic 
inhibition, was approved for mCRC patients who have failed standard therapies (2).  In the 
CORRECT trial, patients with mCRC were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive best supportive 
care with oral RGF 160 mg or placebo by mouth once daily, for 3 weeks of a 4-week cycle (3). 
The primary endpoint was overall survival. Compared to placebo, RGF improved mPFS from 1.7 
to 1.9 months (P<0.000001) and mOS from 5.0 to 6.4 months (P=0.005), regardless of K-RAS 
status (3). The most common treatment-related toxicities were fatigue (47% vs 28%, RGF vs 
placebo), hand-foot syndrome (47% vs 8%), diarrhea (34% vs 8%), anorexia (30% vs 15%), 
voice changes (29% vs 6%), hypertension (28% vs 6%), oral mucositis (27% vs 4%), 
rash/desquamation (26% vs 4%), nausea (14% vs 11%), weight loss (14% vs 2%), and fever 
(10% vs 3%).  In this study, 54% patients had grade 3 or more adverse events versus 14% with 
placebo, with the most common grade 3 fatigue (9% vs 5%) and grade 3 hand-foot syndrome 
(17% vs <1%).  In the third-line setting, even when statistical significance is reached, gains in 
PFS and OS are modest, i.e., 0.2 months (6 days) improvement in mPFS and the 1.4 months (42 
days) benefit in mOS seen with RGF over placebo (3).  Given the modest improvements of RGF 
in survival, VEGF inhibition may not be beneficial to all patients with mCRC refractory to 
VEGF inhibitors; therefore, more therapies are needed in patients with mCRC progressing 
despite VEGF inhibition.    
  


16  
  
2.3 Autophagy as a mechanism for cancer survival:   
Autophagy is a conserved protein degradation process that involves the vacuolar sequestration of 
long-lived cytoplasmic proteins and organelles into a structure called an autophagosome (31). 
Autophagosomes fuse with lysosomes, which results in the proteolytic degradation of their 
contents. In eukaryotic cells, autophagy plays an important role in the disposal of damaged 
organelles and proteins and serves to generate alternative sources of energy for cell survival 
during cellular stress through the catabolization of protein substrates (32). The activation of 
stress response genes such as p53 by anticancer therapies can stimulate autophagy in addition to 
apoptosis (33). Although prolonged autophagy can result in cancer cell death, recent 
investigations suggest that therapy-induced autophagy is a reversible response that promotes 
cancer cell survival and thus, may diminish the efficacy of some therapeutic agents (34-36). 
Therefore, autophagy may significantly contribute to resistance to a number of anticancer 
therapeutic modalities.  
  
2.3.1 Autophagy as a mechanism of resistance to anti-cancer therapeutics.    
The induction of autophagy has been observed in malignant cells after treatments, such as 
tamoxifen, imatinib, arsenic trioxide, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, and rapamycin 
(3741).  Histone deacetylase inhibitors, such as Vorinostat (VOR), have shown selective anti-
cancer activity in preclinical and clinical models (10).  The main effect of vorinostat, VOR, is 
inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, which causes hyperacetylation of all core 
histone proteins, H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. Hypoacetylation of histones is associated with 
condensed chromatin structure, which results in the repression of the transcription of many genes 
including those implicated in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation, differentiation and 
apoptosis. Through HDAC inhibition, vorinostat can restore the expression of silenced genes by 
remodeling the tightly coiled chromatin, leading to the subsequent induction of differentiation 
and apoptosis (42).  VOR induces cell cycle arrest in either the G1 or G2M phases, 
downregulates cyclin Dl and D2, upregulates p53, p21 and p27 expression, and stimulates 
apoptosis.   
  
The p53 tumor suppressor is a transcription factor whose activity is modulated by protein 
stability and post-translational modifications including acetylation. Acetylation promotes p53 
stability and function. There is evidence that deacetylation of p53 is mediated by a histone 
deacetylase-1-containing complex, which modulates p53-mediated cell growth arrest and 
apoptosis (43, 44).  In pre-clinical studies vorinostat also inhibited VEGF-induced expression of 
the VEGF receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2) and neuropilin, thus blocking angiogenic signaling, 
and reducing circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL1 beta, IL6 and IFN 
gamma induced liposaccharide) (45, 46).   
  
VOR was the first HDAC inhibitor to obtain FDA approval for cancer therapy.  It is currently 
indicated for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and has demonstrated modest 
activity in patients with advanced solid tumors with ongoing clinical studies in advanced CRC 
(47).  Studies have identified key mechanisms of resistance to HDAC inhibitors with the primary 
goals of identifying patients likely to benefit from treatment with this class of agents and 
developing new strategies to overcome resistance (48-50). Pre-clinical studies have shown that 
HDAC inhibitor-induced autophagy blunts its anticancer activity (36).   


17  
  
  
2.3.2 Preclinical studies of autophagy inhibition in CRC models:   
Chloroquine (CQ) is a synthetic 4-arninoquinoline that has been used for more than 60 years in 
humans for the prophylaxis and treatment of malaria (51) and rheumatoid arthritis (52). CQ is an 
orally available and inexpensive drug that has CNS penetration and a broad therapeutic index. It 
is most predictable cumulative toxicity is retinopathy, which can be prevented by stopping 
administration of the drug (53, 54). CQ derivatives such as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are still 
widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosis and have a greater 
therapeutic index than CQ. By nature of their chemical structures, CQ derivatives function as 
weak bases and are trapped in acidic cellular compartments, including lysosomes (55). The 
deacidification of lysosomes by CQ and its derivatives impairs the activity of most lysosomal 
enzymes due to their strict pH requirements. Consequently, CQ and its derivatives inhibit the last 
step in the autophagic degradation process. When autophagy is inhibited by CQ, cells dependent 
on autophagy for survival increase the generation of autophagosomes and undergo either 
apoptotic or non-apoptotic cell death.   
  
Our group’s preclinical data have shown that autophagy inhibition can reduce tumor burden 
and induce apoptosis in the colon cancer xenograft model (5).  CQ has been shown to be an 
inhibitor of autophagy by causing ubiquitinated protein accumulation enhances VOR-induced 
apoptosis via ubiquitinated protein accumulation, which may be a potential therapy in mCRC (5).   
Preclinical investigations conducted in mouse models and human cancer cell lines indicate that 
CQ may have significant anticancer activity due to its ability to inhibit autophagy induced by 
cancer therapeutics, such as VOR (5, 56). Therapy-induced increase in the levels of lysosomal 
protease cathepsin D was identified as a key downstream pharmacodynamic mediator of the 
proapoptotic effects vorinostat when combined with the autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine (CQ) 
(5, 56).   
  
Figure 1: Representative tumor scan images demonstrating response to VOR/HCQ in phase 
I study.    
Treatment with HCQ and VOR yielded a prolonged partial response in a patient with refractory 
RCC that has been durable for more than 50 cycles of therapy. MRI scans obtained at baseline 
and post cycles 10 and 50 (C10 and C50, respectively) are shown.  
  


18  
  
2.4 Rationale for combining VOR and HCQ.   
The HDAC inhibitor vorinostat (VOR) is approved for the treatment of CTCL and is being 
investigated for the treatment of many other types of cancer. Vorinostat has pleiotropic effects 
and induces both apoptosis and autophagy. Considering that autophagy may promote cancer cell 
survival, we hypothesized that inhibiting autophagy would enhance the anticancer activity of 
VOR. Our group have reported that the autophagy inhibitor CQ dramatically augmented the 
antineoplastic effects of VOR in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cell lines and primary 
CML cells expressing wild-type and imatinib-resistant mutant forms of BCR-Abl, including 
T315I(56). This combination regimen demonstrated selectivity for malignant cells in in vitro 
studies and its efficacy was not diminished by RNA-mediated impairment of p53 function, 
another factor that contributes to the resistance to imatinib and many other anticancer agents. 
Inhibiting autophagy with CQ promoted VOR–induced superoxide generation, triggered 
relocalization and marked increases in the expression of the lysosomal protease cathepsin D, and 
reduced the expression of the cathepsin D substrate thioredoxin. Knockdown of cathepsin D 
diminished the efficacy of this combination, demonstrating its role as a critical mediator of this 
therapeutic response (56).   
  
We extended our preclinical evaluation of this combination to in vitro and in vivo models of 
colon cancer (5). Our results showed that HCQ significantly increased the pro-apoptotic effects 
of VOR. HCQ was well tolerated and significantly reduced the tumor burden of nude mice 
bearing xenografts of the HCT8 and HT29 human colon cancer cell lines as compared with mice 
treated with vorinostat alone. Our data suggest that the autophagy inhibitors CQ/HCQ 
significantly increase the anti-cancer activity of VOR and that this combination represents a 
promising new strategy to treat refractory cancer patients that fail conventional therapy.   
  
2.4.1 Clinical safety of autophagy inhibition in mCRC patients.   
Based on the data described above, we conducted an NCI-funded study Phase 1 Safety,  
Tolerability, and Phamacokinetics (PK) of HCQ in Combination with the VOR in Patients 
(Patients) with Advanced Solid Tumors. The primary objective of this study was to determine the 
maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of HCQ in combination with VOR in patients with advanced 
solid tumors. Patients with ECOG PS 0-2 and adequate organ function received by mouth (PO) 
VOR 300-400 mg daily and HCQ 400-1000 mg daily in 21-day cycles. Thirty-one patients were 
enrolled, with 27 evaluable for DLT due to three patients having rapid clinical deterioration 
related to underlying disease in cycle 1 (6). The recommended dose is VOR 400 mg PO daily 
plus HCQ 600 mg PO daily. Grade 3 AE were as follows: fatigue (3), anemia (1), neutropenia 
(1), thrombocytopenia (1). Fatigue and gastrointestinal AE were dose-limiting toxicities. 
Treatment-related toxicities were primarily grade 1-2: nausea (11 patients), diarrhea (8), fatigue 
(6), anorexia (4), weight loss (4), anemia (4), and elevated creatinine (4). Grade 3 toxicities were 
fatigue (3), anemia (1), thrombocytopenia (1) and neutropenia (1). No drugrelated deaths or 
grade 4 toxicities were noted. These findings indicate that administration of VOR plus HCQ at 
the established MTD is safe and generally well tolerated.  
  
Tumor response was evaluated by RECIST 1.0 criteria (57).  One patient with renal cell 
carcinoma (RCC) who had failed seven lines of prior therapy had a confirmed durable partial/ 
near complete response (cohort 2, active on study with more than 50 cycles received or 3 years)  


19  
  
(See Figure 1). Two patients with K-RAS mutated mCRC had prolonged stable disease (≥6 
cycles). The addition of HCQ did not significantly impact the PK profile of VOR.   
  
2.5. Preliminary data  
2.5.1 Clinical efficacy of autophagy inhibition in mCRC.   
This led to a Phase II single arm study of vorinostat (VOR) plus hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in 
patients with advanced CRC (through UT Health Cancer Center funding). Based on phase I data, 
the recommended phase II dose is HCQ 600 mg PO daily with VOR 400 mg PO daily as the 
MTD. To date, 18 of planned 18 patients with mCRC have been enrolled to date.  Of 14 patients 
evaluable, 4 patients have received 6+ cycles (preliminary median PFS > 3 months), indicating a 
potential new agent in refractory mCRC patients. Similar the phase I study, the safety profile 
demonstrated tolerance of VOR/HCQ, with dose reductions to 300 mg/400 mg mainly for G2/G3 
nausea performed following 1 cycle, respectively, in about 35% of all patients (See Table 1).   
  
Patient  Age  KRAS  
status  
Cycles  Adverse Events†  Dose  
Reduction*  
1  
64  
Wild  
10  
G3 n/v, G1 
fatigue  
Yes  
2  
65  
Wild  
2  
G2 n/v, G2 
fatigue  
No  
3  
45  
Wild  
8  
G1 fatigue, G1 
n/v  
No  
4  
72  
Mutated  2  
G2 n/v, G2 
fatigue  
No  
5  
45  
Mutated  2  
G2 n/v, G2 
fatigue  
Yes  
6  
74  
Mutated  2  
G1 fatigue  
No  
7  
70  
Mutated  2  
G3 n/v  
Yes  
8  
64  
Wild  
2  
G4  
thrombocytopenia  
G1 fatigue  
Yes  
9  
58  
Wild  
10+  
G1 fatigue, G1 
n/v  
No  
10  
53  
Mutated  3  
G2 n/v, G1 
fatigue  
Yes  
11  
60  
Mutated  6+  
none  
No  
  
Table 1: Adverse events for CRC patients receiving 2 or more cycles on single-arm  
VOR/HCQ on Phase II study at our institutions. † National Cancer Institute Common 
Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) v4.0.  *Dose reduction to VOR 300 mg 
and HCQ 400 mg PO daily. n/v = nausea/vomiting.  + Patient is still on study.    
  


20  
  
Additionally, peripheral blood specimens were collected from patients on Days 1, 7, and 49 of 
treatment. Tumor biopsies were also obtained from 2 patients with CRC at baseline and 
posttreatment on Day 49. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that significant increases in the 
levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN1A from baseline, an established biomarker 
of VOR, could be detected in PBMCs from patients in all four treatment cohorts (See Figure 
2A). Considering this dose level is above the MTD, these findings indicate that PBMC 
specimens may not be appropriate for monitoring of HCQ-driven correlative PD endpoints.   
  
In contrast, significant increases from baseline in both CDKN1A and CTSD were readily 
observed in tumor biopsy specimens obtained from 2 patients treated at the MTD of VOR plus 
HCQ (See Figure 2B). Although the number of tumors that we were able to obtain for these 
analyses is small, our preliminary results suggest that tumor specimens may be more valuable 
than PBMCs with respect to quantifying treatment-related markers associated with autophagy 
inhibition. This possibility is further supported by our analyses of autophagic vesicles (AV) in 
PBMCs. Notably, the number of AVs per cell in PBMC specimens collected from patients 
treated in the MTD cohort was not significantly affected by treatment with VOR and HCQ at any 
time points. A very modest, but statistically insignificant rise in the number of AVs/cell was 
noted on Day 7. However, by Day 49, this effect was gone and the mean AVs/cell was actually 
slightly below baseline levels (See Figure 2C-D).   
  
Treatment-related increases in the expression of p21 and cathepsin D were more pronounced in 
tumor biopsies than peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).  However, given small 
number of patients in this phase study, these biomarkers of treatment need to be further 
correlated with efficacy and investigated in a larger clinical trial.  These findings support a large 
phase II study evaluating VOR/HCQ in patients with refractory mCRC.  
  


21  
  
  
  
Figure 2: HCQ and VOR stimulate the expression of CTSD and CDKN1A and the 
accumulation of autophagic vesicles. (A) Fold change from baseline in the levels of CTSD and 
CDKN1A in PBMC specimens in individual cohorts. PBMC specimens were collected at 
baseline and on C1D7. Gene expression was quantified by qRT-PCR and normalized to GAPDH. 
*Indicates a significant change from baseline, p < 0.05. (B) Tumor biopsies were obtained from 
2 patients with colorectal cancer at baseline and on Day 49.  The fold change from baseline in  
the levels of CTSD and CDKN1A expression in tumor specimens was quantified by qRT-PCR 
and normalized to GAPDH. *Indicates a significant change from baseline, p < 0.05. (C-D) 
Effects of treatment on autophagic vesicles. PBMC specimens were collected from patients at 
baseline and post-treatment on Days 7 and 49. Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to 
visualize and quantify autophagic vesicles in PBMCs. The average number of autophagic 
vesicles per cell for patients enrolled in the MTD cohort (cohort 3) is shown in (C).  
Representative images for one patient’s specimens collected at baseline, Day 7 and Day 49 are 
shown in (D).  
  
2.6. Correlative Studies  
2.6.1 Correlative Studies of autophagy inhibition in relation to efficacy.   
Furthermore, preliminary data at our institution has shown that the induction of biomarkers of 
autophagy cathepsin D (CTSD) and CDKN1A correlate both in PBMCs and patient’s primary 
tumor using RT-PCR and electron microscopy (EM) (Fig 2 A-D) with efficacy of VOR/HCQ(6). 
We also observed increases in SQSTM1/p62 levels in PBMCs in patients treated with 
VOR/HCQ. (6) In addition, expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) increases with 
autophagy in CRC, and HMGB1 acts upon binding to RAGE (“receptor for advanced glucated 


22  
  
end products”) (7, 8). Also, LDH has been associated with necrotic cell death due to autophagy, 
which should decrease with autophagy inhibition (58). Thus, we hypothesize that with 
VOR/HCQ, and thus autophagy inhibition, CTSD, CDKN1A, and SQSTM1/p62 will increase, 
and that HMGB and RAGE levels will decrease.  The change in expression levels of these 
various cellular proteins appears to be correlated with clinical efficacy.  
  
Therefore, we suggest prospectively incorporating the identification of such predictive 
biomarkers in this study and the assessment of such biomarkers relative to the efficacy of agents 
evaluated. Establishing a predictive biomarker associated with clinical sensitivity to autophagy 
inhibitors is necessary for the optimal development of this class of drugs for cancer therapy.  In 
addition, delineation of patients who would benefit from autophagy inhibition should reduce 
unnecessary costs and toxicities.    
  
In addition, HDAC has been well-recognized as potential targets for the treatment of numerous 
aging-related disorders (9) such as cancer (10). Therefore, we plan to evaluate the potential role 
of biomarkers of aging with the combination of HCQ plus VOR.  
  
2.6.2 Correlative Studies of anti-angiogenic inhibition in relation to efficacy.    
Patients receiving RGF had modest improvements in survival, but the study has not yet identified 
which biomarkers predict improved efficacy to anti-angiogenic therapies in patients with 
refractory mCRC. We know that there are biomarkers that correlate with response to anti-VEGF 
therapy.  Recently, the AVAGAST trial demonstrated that plasma VEGF-A and tumor 
neuropilin-1 are strong biomarkers for predicting clinical outcome in patients with advanced 
gastric cancer treated with Bev (59).  For mCRC patients receiving Bev, low levels of baseline 
angiopoetin-2, a key regulator of vascular remodeling in conjunction with VEGF, has been 
associated with better response rates, PFS and OS (60, 61). Additionally, in pre-clinical studies 
VOR also inhibited VEGF-induced expression of the VEGF receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2) and 
neuropilin, thus blocking angiogenic signaling, and reducing circulating levels of inflammatory 
cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL1 beta, IL6 and IFN gamma induced liposaccharide) (45, 46).    
  
Therefore, we will prospectively incorporate the identification of such predictive biomarkers in 
this study and the assessment of such biomarkers relative to the efficacy of agents evaluated. 
Establishing a predictive biomarker associated with clinical sensitivity to autophagy inhibitors is 
necessary for the optimal development of this class of drugs for cancer therapy.  Also, 
delineation of patients who would benefit from VEGF inhibition and alternative non-VEGF 
targeting agents should reduce unnecessary costs and toxicities.    
  
 
2.6.3  Correlative studies of HDAC inhibitors in relation to aging.   
Alterations in protein misfolding, aggregation, and degradation are widely implicated in an 
increasing number of aging-related diseases, providing for novel therapeutic opportunities 
targeting protein homeostasis (proteostasis). The proteostasis network is essential at the cellular 
and organismal level for development and lifespan (62).  Components of this system include the 
ubiquitin-proteasome and the autophagic-lysosomal systems that allow for degradation and 
clearance, along with HDAC that regulate epigenetic chromatin remodeling (63).  Inhibitors of 
histone deacetylase (HDAC) exhibit neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties in animal 


23  
  
models of various brain diseases (64). In preclinical models, HDAC inhibitors promote 
functional recovery of aging axons (65).   Also, administration of the short fatty acid 
4phenylbutyrate, an HDAC inhibitor, to a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease restored learning 
behavior as a result of  elevated levels of H4 acetylation and increased synthesis of proteins 
involved in synaptic function (9).  Further, elevated acetylation of histones (66) were obtained in 
mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease treated with the pan-HDAC inhibitor vorinostat (VOR) 
(67).  Therefore, the effects of HDAC inhibitors on aging need to be further investigated in 
humans.  
  
2.6.3.1 Biomarkers of aging.    
Chronologic aging has been associated with an increase in senescent cell populations throughout 
the body (68).  Most senescent cells appear to express p16Ink4a, a cyclin-dependent kinase 
inhibitor and tumor suppressor, and are known to increase with aging in pre-clinical and clinical 
models, including cancer patients (69-71).  The causal relationship between cellular senescence 
and aging is not understood, but it is thought that pro-inflammatory factors produced by 
senescent cells (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNFalpha, MCP1, MMP3), known as the senescenceassociated 
secretory phenotype (SASP) mediate the aging phenotype (72). Therefore, the above findings 
support the evaluation of the effects of proteostasis modulation with HDAC inhibitors on 
aging in humans.  We hypothesize that HDAC inhibitors will decrease biomarkers of aging, and 
therefore, slow aging when compared to normal controls.  
  
3.0 Statement of Study Objectives  
Primary Objective:   
• 
To determine the clinical efficacy with progression-free survival (PFS-1) of the 
combination of VOR plus HCQ when compared to RGF in treatment-refractory mCRC.  
  
Secondary Objectives:   
• 
To determine the overall survival in refractory mCRC patients receiving VOR plus HCQ 
when compared to RGF.  
• 
To determine the progression-free survival (PFS-2) of the crossover treatment (crossover 
is optional).  
• 
To evaluate the tumor response rate in refractory mCRC patients receiving VOR plus 
HCQ when compared to RGF.  
• 
To further define the safety of the combination of VOR/HCQ when compared to RGF in 
treatment-refractory mCRC.    
• 
To identify biomarkers of autophagy and anti-angiogenic inhibition that are associated 
with clinical efficacy of VOR/HCQ and RGF, respectively, in mCRC.  
  
4.0 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Inclusion 
Criteria:  
1. Patients 18 years of age or older with histological documentation of metastatic colorectal 
cancer (mCRC).  
2. ECOG performance status of 0-2.   


24  
  
3. Radiographical documentation of metastatic disease with imaging up to 6 weeks prior to 
enrollment.  
4. Patients with mCRC must have been previously treated with irinotecan and/or oxaliplatin 
and/or VEGF/EGFR therapy or intolerant to these agents  
5. Documentation of K-Ras mutational status  
6. Adequate hematologic, renal and liver function (i.e. absolute neutrophil count > 1000/mm3, 
platelets > 75,000/mm3); creatinine < 2 times the upper limits of normal (ULN) total bilirubin 
< 1.5 mg/dl, ALT and AST< 3 times above the ULN, ALT and AST can be < 5 times ULN if 
patients have hepatic involvement.  
7. Able to provide written informed consent.  
8. Patients with the potential for pregnancy or impregnating their partner must agree to follow 
acceptable birth control methods to avoid conception. Women of childbearing potential must 
have a negative pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to receiving the investigational product.   
9. Tumor blocks available from previous surgery/biopsy, or if not available, patients willing to 
have biopsy.  
  
Exclusion Criteria:  
1. Patients receiving prior therapy with RGF, VOR, and/or HCQ.  
2. Patients with uncontrolled brain metastases. Patients with brain metastases must be 
asymptomatic and off corticosteroids for at least one week.  
3. Due to risk of disease exacerbation, patients with porphyria are not eligible.  
4. Due to risk of disease exacerbation, patients with psoriasis are ineligible unless the disease is 
well controlled, and they are under the care of a specialist for the disorder who agrees to 
monitor the patient for exacerbations.  
5. Patients with previously documented macular degeneration or untreated diabetic retinopathy 
(stable retinopathy is allowed).  
6. Patients who have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy within 2 weeks (6 weeks for 
nitrosoureas or mitomycin C) prior to entering the study. For investigational targeted 
therapies, patients will need to clear for 5 half-lives (not applicable to standard of care 
therapies).  
7. Patients may not be receiving any other investigational agents.  
8. Patients should not have taken valproic acid or another histone deacetylase inhibitor for at 
least 2 weeks prior to enrollment.  
9. History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic 
composition to VOR or HCQ.  
10. Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, 
symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or 
psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements  
11. Major surgery or significant traumatic injury occurring within 21 days prior to treatment.  
12. QTc > 500 ms at baseline  
13. Gastrointestinal tract disease resulting in an inability to take oral medication or a requirement 
for IV alimentation, prior surgical procedures affecting absorption, or active peptic ulcer 
disease. Patients with NJ, J or G tube will not be allowed to participate.   


25  
  
14. Pregnant women are excluded from this study because vorinostat has the potential for 
teratogenic or abortifacient effects. For this reason, women of childbearing potential and men 
must also agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control) 
prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation.   
15. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, 
she should inform her treating physician immediately. Because there is an unknown but 
potential risk for adverse events in nursing infants secondary to treatment of the mother with 
vorinostat, breastfeeding should be discontinued.  
16. Informed Consent - No study specific procedures will be performed without a written and 
signed informed consent document. Patients who do not demonstrate the ability to understand 
or the willingness to sign the written informed consent document will be excluded from study 
entry.  
  
Inclusion of Women and Minorities:  
Both men and women and members of all ethnic groups are eligible for this trial.  
  
5.0 Study Design:  
This will be a phase II randomized clinical trial of patients with histologic documentation of 
metastatic colorectal cancer, who have received local and currently approved standard therapies, 
excluding RGF. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to RGF or VOR/HCQ (see schema below) and 
stratified by KRAS status (wild-type or mutated). We will give VOR 400 mg PO daily and HCQ 
600 mg PO daily in 4-week cycles. Patients will require imaging up to 6 weeks prior to 
enrollment and will be assessed for measureable evidence of mCRC.   Crossover to the other arm 
will be allowed, but OPTIONAL, and will be determined by the treating physician for the 
patient’s best interest.  
  
5.1 Sample size:   
Historically, the mPFS for previously treated mCRC patients treated with RGF is 1.9 mos.  We 
predict VOR/HCQ will improve mPFS to 3.8 months.   We expect 5% lost to follow-up.  
Assuming a 36-month accrual period with 1 year for follow up, 36 subjects per group are 
necessary to obtain 80% power. With 5% lost to follow-up the sample size required per group is 
38 (=36/0.95), therefore, the total required sample size is 76 subjects.  As a result, the target 
accrual rate is 2-4 patients/month to achieve a target accrual at 36 months with an additional 
12month follow-up.     
  
5.2 Study Schema:  
  


26  
  
  
*** Crossover to the other arm will be allowed, but OPTIONAL, and will be determined by the 
treating physician for the patient’s best interest.  
  
Randomization:    
Randomization list will be sent to pharmacy. Once the patient is registered onto the study, the 
pharmacist will assign the patient to one of the treatment arms.  The patient should start the 
treatment within 14 days of randomization.    
  
Upon randomization, regorafenib prescription will be sent to specialty pharmacy.  If the patient 
receives the medication in <14 days, then the patient can start at home. The start date will be 
C1D1.  If the patient receives >14 days, then the patient will need a C1D1 clinical visit and labs: 
CBC, CMP, CEA and biomarkers.  
  
5.3 Treatment Requirements  
All eligible patients who consent to this study must have a baseline evaluation (CT or MRI) 
within 6 weeks of the start of treatment.  
  
Patient must meet all eligibility requirements to be entered onto the protocol.  
  
5.3.1 Duration of Intervention and Evaluation:   
Follow-up: A repeat CT scan will be performed after 2 cycles of treatment regimen to evaluate 
response based on RECIST 1.1 criteria (See Appendix 13.1 for definitions of response) (73).  CT 
scans will be repeated at least every 2 cycles, or 8 weeks, to ensure no progression of disease. 
Patients will continue on VOR/HCQ or RGF until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, 
withdrawal of consent by the patient, or decision of physician for patient’s best interest. 
Crossover to the other arm will be allowed, but OPTIONAL, and will be determined by the 
treating physician for the patient’s best interest. If patient is not given crossover treatment, then 
the patient will be off study and will be allowed to receive subsequent treatments.  Each patient 


27  
  
will be followed for 1 year. We will follow the last patient for 12 months, at which time, the 
study will be completed for data analysis.    
  
Interim analysis:  The O'Brien-Fleming procedure will be used to conduct an interim analyses 
for efficacy when 50% of the patients complete the study.  A statistical basis for stopping the 
study at the first look will be achieved if the test statistic indicates benefit in the VOR/HCQ Arm 
and exceeds 2.96259, corresponding to a significance level of 0.003. If the test statistic does not 
exceed 2.96259 at the first look then the trial will proceed to the final analysis. A treatment effect 
will be declared significant and beneficial at the final analysis if the test statistic indicates benefit 
and exceeds 1.96857, corresponding to a significance level of 0.047.  
  
5.3.2 VOR and HCQ Administration  
The starting dose will be VOR 400 mg PO daily and HCQ 600 mg PO daily, as determined by 
the phase I study in advanced cancer and as given in the expansion cohort of mCRC patients.  
    
Dose can be decreased due to toxicity if deemed by the clinical investigator to be related to VOR. 
The dose reductions will be 300 mg (level -I), 200 mg (level -2).   
  
Dose can be decreased due to toxicity if deemed by the clinical investigator to be related to HCQ. 
The dose reductions will be 400 mg (level -I), 200 mg (level -2).   
  
If toxicity is thought to be due to VOR and HCQ, then dose reductions can be done for each drug 
as above.  
  
Table 2: Dose reductions for VOR plus HCQ in the Phase II study of VOR/HCQ versus RGF 
in previously treated mCRC patients  
If toxicity due to both  
VOR and HCQ:  
  
  
Dose Level  
VOR  
HCQ  
0 (Standard Daily Dose)  400 mg  
600 mg  
-1  
300 mg  
400 mg  
-2  
200 mg  
200 mg  
  
If toxicity due to VOR:  
  
  
Dose Level  
VOR  
HCQ  
0 (Standard Daily Dose)  400 mg  
600 mg  
-1  
300 mg  
600 mg  
-2  
200 mg  
400 mg  
  
If toxicity due to HCQ:  
  
  
Dose Level  
VOR  
HCQ  
0 (Standard Daily Dose)  400 mg  
600 mg  


28  
  
    
  
5.3.3 RGF Administration  
The starting dose will be RGF 160 mg PO daily, for 3 weeks, of a 4-week cycle, as determined 
by the phase III study in mCRC patients (3). All patients will be given a handout on how to take 
Regorafenib (Appendix 12.3).  
    
Dose can be decreased due to toxicity if deemed by the clinical investigator to be related to RGF. 
The dose reductions will be 120 mg (level -I), 80 mg (level -2).   
  
Table 3: Dose reductions for RGF in the Phase II study of VOR/HCQ versus RGF in 
previously treated mCRC patients  
  
  
If toxicity due to RGF:  
  
Dose Level  
RGF  
0 (Standard Daily Dose)  160 mg  
-1  
120 mg  
-2  
80 mg  
  
5.3.4 Concomitant Medications and Supportive Care Guidelines  
Diarrhea Management: Treat diarrhea promptly with appropriate supportive care, including 
loperamide. Instruct patients to begin taking loperamide at the first signs of: 1) poorly formed or 
loose stool, 2) occurrence of more bowel movements than usual in one day, or 3) unusually high 
volume of stool. Loperamide should be taken in the following manner: 4 mg at first onset of 
diarrhea, then 2 mg after each unformed stool. Daily dose should not exceed 16 mg/day. 
-1  
400 mg  
400 mg  
-2  
300 mg  
200 mg  


29  
  
Loperamide should not be taken prophylactically. Advise patients to drink plenty of clear fluids 
to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea. Avoid loperamide if there is the presence of 
blood or mucus in the stool or if diarrhea is accompanied by fever. If grade 3 or 4 diarrhea 
develops, discontinue further treatment with vorinostat.  
  
Anti-emetic Prophylaxis: During dosing, promethazine (25 mg PO) or metoclopramide (10 mg 
PO) every 6 hours may be initiated, as needed. For patients who suffer diarrhea, promethazine 
rather than metoclopramide must be used. For patients who experience nausea and vomiting 
despite this antiemetic treatment, dexamethasone (4 mg PO) every 12 hours and granisetron (1 
mg PO) QD, or equivalent 5HT3 antagonist, may be administered. All patients should have 
antiemetic medications available once discharged from the clinic. Oral anti-emetic medications 
should be prescribed and administered as needed, and adjusted during the cycle at the discretion 
of the treating investigator. The prophylactic use of a 5-HT3-antagonsist can be administered 
before VOR administration if deemed indicated by the investigator. Due to its interaction with 
P450 enzymes, aprepitant use should be avoided. If needed, then its use must be recorded. 
Control of nausea and vomiting may require institution of multiple anti-emetic medications 
including phenothiazines or 5-HT3 antagonists.  
  
Hydration Management: Adequate hydration is important in the event of dysgeusia. Advise 
patients that popsicles and Gatorade may be useful in this event.   
  
Corticosteroids: If the patient receives steroids an effort will be made to keep the patient on this 
steroid dose until the next scan is obtained. Corticosteroid dose can be tapered as clinically 
indicated if the patient appears to be responding to therapy as judged by serial scans.  
  
Anti-convulsants: Because HCQ has known effects on P450 enzymes, patients requiring 
anticonvulsants may be treated with any of the non-enzyme inducing anti-convulsants, which 
include: felbamate, valproate acid, gabapentin, lamotrigine, tiagibine, topiramate, zonisamide, or 
levetiracetarn. Patients requiring the use of enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic medication  
(phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone or oxcarbazepine) are not eligible for entry 
into the study. If these agents are required during the study, patients will discontinue study 
treatment.  
  
Growth factors: Patients are allowed to continue hematological growth factors such as Aranesp 
if initiated before the protocol. G-CSF or GM-CSF will not be allowed as prevention in cycle 1, 
but could be used as needed for treatment of grade 4 or complicated neutropenia on cycle 1 or 
beyond. If prophylaxis is considered necessary by the clinical investigator beyond cycle 1, this is 
allowed.   
  
Given the possibility of metabolic interaction through the P450 2D6 enzyme the concomitant 
administration of HCQ with digoxin, B blockers, cyclosporine and cimetidine should be closely 
monitored.  
  
5.4 Dose Modification for Toxicity  


30  
  
Toxicity Criteria - This study will utilize the CTCAE version 4.0 for toxicity and Adverse Event  
Reporting. A copy of the CTCAE version 4.0 can be downloaded from the CTEP home page 
(http://ctep.cancer.gov). All appropriate treatment areas will have access to a copy of the CTCAE 
version 4.0.  
  
5.4.1 Major Events  
Major Events are non-treatment-related grade 3 and 4 hematologic and non-hematologic 
toxicities. Treatment should be delayed for major events if the study drug may further complicate 
the non-treatment related event. If a major event requires a delay of treatment, treatment must be 
delayed until toxicity is resolved (≤ Grade 2 or ≤ Baseline). If toxicity is not resolved in ≤2 
weeks, patient will be taken off treatment except if the patient experiences clinical benefit.   
  
5.4.2 Dose Reduction for VOR and/or HCQ (see Table 2)  
Dose can be decreased due to toxicity if deemed by the clinical investigator to be related to VOR. 
The dose reductions will be 300 mg (level -I), 200 mg (level -2).   
  
Dose can be decreased due to toxicity if deemed by the clinical investigator to be related to HCQ. 
The dose reductions will be 400 mg (level -I), 200 mg (level -2).   
  
If toxicity is thought to be due to VOR and HCQ, then dose reductions can be done for each drug 
as above.  
  
5.4.2.1 HCQ Dose Modification  
 
reinstitution of treatment can occur but at a reduced dose as described in Table 2.  
  
If the AE recurs at the reduced dose, treatment will be held until the AE has resolved to ≤ grade 1 
and when resolved treatment can be reinstituted at the next lower dose level. No more than 2 
dose reductions are allowed during the maintenance cycles.  
  
With particular regard to visual field deficits patients should be cautioned to report any visual 
symptoms, particularly difficulty seeing entire words or faces, intolerance to glare, decreased 
night vision, or loss of peripheral vision. These symptoms of peripheral retinal toxicity should 
prompt drug discontinuation and ophthalmologic evaluation.  
  
5.4.2.2 VOR Dose Modification  
Known VOR hematological or non-hematological toxicities will not be attributed to HCQ and 
will only be attributed to VOR and may result in VOR dose modifications. Toxicities having an 
attribution to VOR of possible, probable or definite will result in the following VOR dose 
modifications:  
  
VOR administration will be delayed, reduced or discontinued based on weekly assessment of 
according to hematological and non-hematological toxicity criteria, as specified below.  


31  
  
  
If the administration of VOR has to be interrupted, the treatment with HCQ will proceed 
normally and no catch-up days of VOR. The total number of days of VOR administration and 
total dose of VOR will be recorded in the CRF.  
  
5.4.3 Dose Modification for RGF (Table 3)  
The starting dose will be RGF 160 mg PO daily, for 3 weeks, of a 4-week cycle, as determined 
by the phase III study in mCRC patients (3).  
    
Dose can be decreased due to toxicity if deemed by the clinical investigator to be related to RGF. 
The dose reductions will be 120 mg (level -I), 80 mg (level -2).   
  
Due to known hepatic toxicity, we will monitor liver function tests (ALT, AST and bilirubin) 
before initiation of RGF and monitor at least every two weeks during the first 2 months of 
treatment. Thereafter, monitor every cycle or more frequently as clinically indicated. Monitor 
liver function tests weekly in patients experiencing elevated liver function tests until 
improvement to less than 3 times the ULN or baseline. Temporarily hold and then reduce or 
permanently discontinue RGF depending on the severity and persistence of hepatotoxicity as 
manifested by elevated liver function tests or hepatocellular necrosis. See below for specific 
recommendations:  
  
Interrupt Regorafenib for the following:  
• NCI CTCAE Grade 2 hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) [palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia 
(PPE)] that is recurrent or does not improve within 7 days despite dose reduction; interrupt 
therapy for a minimum of 7 days for Grade 3 HFSR  
• Symptomatic Grade 2 hypertension  
• Any NCI CTCAE Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction  
  
Reduce the dose of Regorafenib to 120 mg:  
• For the first occurrence of Grade 2 HFSR of any duration  
• After recovery of any Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction  
• For Grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation; only 
resume if the potential benefit outweighs the risk of hepatotoxicity  
  
Reduce the dose of Regorafenib to 80 mg:  
• For re-occurrence of Grade 2 HFSR at the 120 mg dose  
• After recovery of any Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction at the 120 mg dose (except hepatotoxicity)  
  
Discontinue Regorafenib permanently for the following:  
• Failure to tolerate 80 mg dose  
• Any occurrence of AST or ALT more than 20 times the upper limit of normal (ULN)  
• Any occurrence of AST or ALT more than 3 times ULN with concurrent bilirubin more than 2 
times ULN  
• Re-occurrence of AST or ALT more than 5 times ULN despite dose reduction to 120 mg  


32  
  
• For any Grade 4 adverse reaction; only resume if the potential benefit outweighs the risks  
  
5.5 Use of Hematologic Growth Factors  
The use of hematologic growth factors (filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, epoetin alfa) is permitted to 
provide optimal care for patients with severe myelosuppression at the investigator's discretion.  
  
5.6 Pharmaceutical Information  
5.6.1 Hydroxychloroquine  
Generic name: Hydroxychloroquine sulfate  
  
Commercial name: Plaquenil  
  
Chemical name: 7-Chloro-4-[4-[ethyl-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]- 1 - methylbutylamino] 
quinolone  
  
How Supplied: As a generically available agent, multiple companies supply  
Hydroxychloroquine as 200 mg tablets, equal to 155 mg of the base compound. The brand name 
Plaquenil (Sanofi Synthelabo) is a white to off white film coated tablet. The inactive ingredients 
in each tablet include dibasic calcium phosphate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium 
stearate, polyethylene glycol 400, polysorbate 80, starch, and titanium dioxide.  
Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg tablets are supplied in bottles containing 100, 500 and 1000 tablets.  
  
Storage:  
Store Hydroxychloroquine capsules at room temperature, 15 to 30 ºC (59 to 86 ºF). Do not store 
above 30 ºC. Avoid excess if moisture. Dispense in a light resistant container   
  
Stability: Stability of each bottle is marked on the container  
  
Route of Administration: Orally  
  
Method of Administration: Hydroxychloroquine should be administered with food or milk. 
Magnesium containing antacids should be avoided 1 hour prior and 2 hour post 
Hydroxychloroquine dosing.  
  
Potential Drug Interactions: Hydroxychloroquine is metabolized extensively in the liver and 
appears to be mediated via CYP450 2D6. In vivo studies of Hydroxychloroquine effects on 
agents metabolized by CPY450 2D6 are mixed. In health volunteers metoprolol levels following 
administration of  
Hydroxychloroquine were increased, however, dextromethorpan levels were not significantly 
altered.  
  
Other interactions of note include digoxin and cimetidine.  
  
Special Handling: None.  


33  
  
  
Patient Care Implications: Patients should be instructed to notify a physician if vision changes 
occur; ringing in ears or hearing loss; fever; sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual 
pigmentation of the skin; bleaching or loss of hair; or mood changes.  
  
Known Potential Toxicities of Hydroxychloroquine  
  
Central nervous system: Irritability, nervousness, emotional changes, nightmares, psychosis, 
headache, dizziness, vertigo, seizure, ataxia, lassitude.  
  
Dermatologic: Bleaching of hair, alopecia, pigmentation changes (skin and mucosal; black-blue 
color), rash (urticarial, morbilliform, lichenoid, maculopapular, purpuric, erythema annulare 
centrifugum, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and 
exfoliative dermatitis).  
  
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping.  
  
Hematologic: Aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hemolysis (in 
patients with glucose-6-phosphate deficiency).  
  
Hepatic: Abnormal liver function, hepatic failure (isolated cases).  
  
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Myopathy leading to progressive weakness and atrophy of proximal 
muscle groups (may be associated with mild sensory changes, loss of deep tendon reflexes, and 
abnormal nerve conduction).  
  
Ocular: Disturbance in accommodation, keratopathy, corneal changes/deposits (visual 
disturbances, blurred vision, photophobia - reversible on discontinuation), macular edema, 
atrophy, abnormal pigmentation, retinopathy (early changes reversible – may progress despite 
discontinuation if advanced), optic disc pallor/atrophy, attenuation of retinal arterioles, 
pigmentary retinopathy, scotoma, decreased visual acuity, nystagmus.  
  
5.6.2 Vorinostat  
Chemical Name: N-hydroxy-N'-phenyl-octane-l,8-diotic acid diamide; N-hydroxyl-
N'phenyl(9CI) octanediamide; suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid  
  
Other Names: Zolinza®, Vorinostat, L-00 1079038, WIN 64652, MSK390, AP390  
  
Classification: Antineoplastic  
  
CAS Registry Number: 149647-78-9  
  
Molecular Formula: C 14H20N2O 3  M.W.: 264.32  
  


34  
  
Approximate Solubility: Water ≤ 5 mg/mL  
  
Description: Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor  
  
Mode of Action:   
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a family of enzymes that regulate chromatin remodeling and 
gene transcription via the dynamic process of acetylation and deacetylation of core histones.   
  
Vorinostat, a potent inhibitor of HDAC activity, binds directly to the catalytic pocket of HDAC 
enzymes. It causes Gl or G2 phase cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, or differentiation in cultured 
transformed cells.  
  
How Supplied: Vorinostat is supplied by Merck & Co., Inc. and distributed by the CTEP, 
DCTD, NCI. Vorinostat is supplied as a white, opaque gelatin, size 3 capsule, containing 100 mg 
of vorinostat. The inactive ingredients contained in each capsule are microcrystalline cellulose, 
sodium croscarmellose, and magnesium stearate.   
  
Vorinostat 100 mg capsules are supplied in bottles containing 120 capsules.  
Storage: Store vorinostat capsules at room temperature, 15 to 30 ºC (59 to 86 ºF). Do not store 
above 30 ºC. Avoid exposure to excessive moisture.  
  
Stability: Shelf life stability studies of the intact bottles are on-going.  
  
Route of Administration: Orally  
  
Method of Administration: Unless otherwise stated in the protocol, vorinostat capsules must be 
administered whole with 8 oz. of water. Administer doses of vorinostat with food, if possible.   
  
Potential Drug 1nteractions: The major pathways of vorinostat metabolism involve 
glucuronidation and p-oxidation. As vorinostat is not eliminated via CYP450 pathways, no 
drugdrug interactions are expected with known CYP450 inhibitors or inducers. Although 
vorinostat was not a potent reversible.  
  
CYP450 inhibitor, studies performed to monitor gene expression changes indicated some 
potential for CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 activity suppression. However, these changes were observed 
at concentrations higher than the pharmacologically relevant concentration of 2 mcM (Cmax).  
  
Prothrombin time and INR prolongations have been reported in patients taking vorinostat 
concomitantly with coumarin derivative anticoagulants. Monitor these patients more frequently 
for alterations in their coagulation parameters.  
  


35  
  
Special Handling: Vorinostat is an anticancer drug. Clean powder spills from broken or 
damaged vorinostat capsules carefully minimizing inhalation. Wash spill area at least 3 times 
with ethyl alcohol, followed by water.     
  
Patient Care Implications: Because vorinostat's dose limiting toxicities are anorexia, 
dehydration, diarrhea, and fatigue, patients should maintain adequate fluid and food intake. 
Encourage patients to seek a nutritional consult.  
  
Women of child bearing potential / men capable of fathering a child:  
All women of childbearing potential MUST have a negative pregnancy test within 72 hours prior 
to receiving the investigational product. If the pregnancy test is positive, the patient must not 
receive investigational product and must not be enrolled in the study.   
  
Vorinostat can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate 
and well-controlled studies of vorinostat in pregnant women. Results of animal studies indicate 
that vorinostat crosses the placenta and is found in fetal plasma. Doses up to 50 and 150 
mg/kg/day were tested in rats and rabbits, respectively (-0.5 times the human exposure based on 
AUC 0-24). Treatment-related developmental effects including decreased mean live fetal 
weights, incomplete ossifications of the skull, thoracic vertebra, sternum, metacarpals and 
skeletal variations (cervical ribs, supernumerary ribs, vertebral count and sacral arch variations) 
in rats and rabbits at the highest doses of vorinostat tested. The no observed effect level (NOEL) 
for these effects was 15 and 50 mg/kg/day (<0.1 times the human exposure based on AUC) in 
rats and rabbits. If the drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while 
taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.  
  
During the course of the trial, all patients of childbearing potential should be instructed to contact 
the treating physician immediately if they suspect they might have conceived a child. In addition, 
a missed or late menstrual period should be reported to the treating physician. If a female patient 
or the treating physician suspects that the female patient may be pregnant prior to administration 
of study drugs, the study drugs must be withheld until the results of a pregnancy test are 
available. If pregnancy is confirmed the patient must not receive study medications and must be 
withdrawn from the study. Throughout the entire pregnancy, additional contact should be made 
with the patient, and in some cases with the healthcare provider, to identify spontaneous 
abortions and elective terminations, as well as any medical reasons for elective termination. In 
addition, the study investigator should include perinatal and neonatal outcome. Infants should be 
followed for a minimum of 4 weeks.  
  
If a male patient is suspected of having fathered a child while on study drugs, the pregnant 
female partner must be notified and counseled regarding the risk to the fetus. In addition, the 
treating physician must follow the course of the pregnancy, including prenatal and neonatal 
outcome. Infants should be followed for a minimum of eight weeks.  
  
Upon live-birth delivery, the minimum information that should be collected includes date of 
birth, length of pregnancy, sex of infant, major and minor anomalies identified at birth. 
Outcomes can be obtained via mailed questionnaires, maternal interviews, medical record 


36  
  
abstraction, or a combination of these methods. All serious adverse event reports relating to the 
pregnancy, including spontaneous abortion, elective abortion and congenital anomalies, should 
be forwarded to the FDA & Merck & Co. Inc. (See Safety reporting section).  
  
It is not known whether vorinostat is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted 
in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from 
Vorinostat, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, 
taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.  
  
Known Potential Toxicities of Vorinostat Cardiovascular: 
Peripheral edema (13%)  
Central nervous system: Fatigue (52%), chills (16%), dizziness (15%), headache (12%), 
fever (11%)  
Dermatologic: Alopecia (19%), pruritus (12%)  
Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperglycemia (8% to 69%; grade 3: 5%), dehydration (1% to 
16%)  
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (52%), nausea (41%), taste alteration (28%), anorexia (24%), 
weight loss (21%), xerostomia (16%), constipation (15%), vomiting (15%), appetite 
decreased (14%)  
Hematologic: Thrombocytopenia (26%; grades 3/4: 6%), anemia (14%; grades 3/4: 2%)  
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Muscle spasm (20%)  
Renal: Proteinuria (51%), creatinine increased (16% to 47%) 
Respiratory: Cough (11%), upper respiratory infection (11%) 1% to 
10%:  
Cardiovascular: QTc prolongation (3% to 4%)  
Dermatologic: Squamous cell carcinoma (4%)  
Respiratory: Pulmonary embolism (5%)  
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Abdominal pain, angioneurotic edema, blurred 
vision, chest pain, cholecystitis, deafness, diverticulitis, dysphagia, DVT, enterococcal infection, 
exfoliative dermatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Guillain-Barré 
syndrome, hemoptysis, hypertension, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, infection, lethargy, 
leukopenia, MI, neutropenia, pneumonia, renal failure, sepsis, spinal cord injury, streptococcal 
bacteremia, stroke (ischemic), syncope, T-cell lymphoma, tumor hemorrhage, ureteric 
obstruction, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, urinary retention, vasculitis, weakness  
  
5.6.3 Regorafenib  
Chemical Name: 4-[4-({[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl] carbamoyl} amino)-
3fluorophenoxy]-N-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide monohydrate  
  
Other Names: Stivarga®  
  
Classification: Antineoplastic  
  
 
Molecular Formula: C21H15 ClF4N4O3• H2O    
M.W 500.83  


37  
  
  
Approximate Solubility: insoluble in water, slightly soluble in acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, 
and ethyl acetate and sparingly soluble in acetone.  
  
Description: kinase inhibitor  
  
Mode of Action:   
Regorafenib is a small molecule inhibitor of multiple membrane-bound and intracellular kinases 
involved in normal cellular functions and in pathologic processes such as oncogenesis, tumor 
angiogenesis, and maintenance of the tumor microenvironment. In  in vitro biochemical or 
cellular assays, regorafenib or its major human active metabolites M-2 and M-5 inhibited the 
activity of RET, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGFR3, KIT, PDGFR-alpha, PDGFR-beta, FGFR1, 
FGFR2, TIE2, DDR2, TrkA, Eph2A, RAF-1, BRAF, BRAFV600E, SAPK2, PTK5, and Abl at 
concentrations of Regorafenib that have been achieved clinically. In in vivo models, Regorafenib 
demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity in a rat tumor model, and inhibition of tumor growth as 
well as anti-metastatic activity in several mouse xenograft models including some for human 
colorectal carcinoma  
  
In colorectal cancer, Regorafenib is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic 
colorectal cancer (CRC) who have been previously treated with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- 
and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF therapy, and, if KRAS wild type, an 
antiEGFR therapy.  
  
How Supplied: Regorafenib is supplied by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.  
  
Regorafenib is a 40 mg, light pink, oval shaped, film-coated tablet, debossed with ‘BAYER’ on 
one side and ‘40’ on the other side.  Each tablet contains 40 mg of Regorafenib in the anhydrous 
state, which corresponds to 41.49 mg of Regorafenib monohydrate, and the following inactive 
ingredients: cellulose microcrystalline, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, povidone, 
and colloidal silicon dioxide. The film-coating contains the following inactive ingredients: ferric 
oxide red, ferric oxide yellow, lecithin (soy), polyethylene glycol 3350, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, 
and titanium dioxide.  
  
Regorafenib tablets are supplied in packages containing three bottles, with each bottle containing 
28 tablets, for a total of 84 tablets per package (NDC 50419 -171-03).  
  
Storage: Store Regorafenib at 25°C (77°F); excursions are permitted from 15 to 30°C  
(59 to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].   
  
Store tablets in the original bottle and do not remove the desiccant. Keep the bottle tightly closed 
after first opening.  
  
Discard any unused tablets 28 days after opening the bottle. Dispose of unused tablets in 
accordance with local requirements.  


38  
  
  
Stability: Discard any unused tablets 28 days after opening the bottle. Dispose of unused tablets 
in accordance with local requirements.  
  
Route of Administration: Orally  
  
Method of Administration: Take Regorafenib at the same time each day. Swallow tablet whole 
with a low-fat breakfast that contains less than 30% fat. Examples of a low-fat breakfast include 
2 slices of white toast with 1 tablespoon of low-fat margarine and 1 tablespoon of jelly, and 8 
ounces of skim milk (319 calories and 8.2 g fat); or 1 cup of cereal, 8 ounces of skim milk, 1 
slice of toast with jam, apple juice, and 1 cup of coffee or tea (520 calories and 2 g fat). Do not 
take two doses of Regorafenib on the same day to make up for a missed dose from the previous 
day.   
  
Potential Drug 1nteractions:   
• 
Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers.  
• 
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.   
  
Effect of Strong CYP3A4 Inducers on Regorafenib:   
Co-administration of a strong CYP3A4 inducer (rifampin) with a single 160 mg dose of 
Regorafenib decreased the mean exposure of Regorafenib, increased the mean exposure of the 
active metabolite M-5, and resulted in no change in the mean exposure of the active metabolite 
M-2. Avoid concomitant use of Regorafenib with strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampin, 
phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and St. John’s Wort).  
   
Effect of Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors on Regorafenib:   
Co-administration of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (ketoconazole) with a single 160 mg dose of 
Regorafenib increased the mean exposure of Regorafenib and decreased the mean exposure of 
the active metabolites M-2 and M-5. Avoid concomitant use of Regorafenib with strong 
inhibitors of CYP3A4 activity (e.g. clarithromycin, grapefruit juice, itraconazole, ketoconazole, 
nefazadone, posaconazole, telithromycin, and voriconazole).  
  
Special Handling: Safely throw away (discard) any unused Regorafenib tablets after 28 days of 
opening the bottle  
     
Patient Care Implications:   
Regorafenib may cause severe or life-threatening liver damage. Inform patients that they will 
need to undergo monitoring for liver damage and to immediately report any signs or symptoms 
of severe liver damage to their health care provider.  
• 
Regorafenib can cause severe bleeding. Advise patients to contact their health care 
provider for any episode of bleeding.  
• 
Regorafenib can cause hand-foot skin reactions or rash elsewhere. Advise patients to 
contact their health care provider if they experience skin changes associated with redness, 
pain, blisters, bleeding, or swelling.  


39  
  
• 
Regorafenib can cause or exacerbate existing hypertension. Advise patients they will 
need to undergo blood pressure monitoring and to contact their health care provider if 
blood pressure is elevated or if symptoms from hypertension occur including severe 
headache, lightheadedness, or neurologic symptoms.  
• 
Regorafenib increased the risk for myocardial ischemia and infarction. Advise patients to 
seek immediate emergency help if they experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or feel 
dizzy or like passing out.  
• 
Contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience severe pains in their 
abdomen, persistent swelling of the abdomen, high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, severe 
diarrhea (frequent or loose bowel movements), or dehydration.  
• 
Regorafenib may complicate wound healing. Advise patients to inform their health care 
provider if they plan to undergo a surgical procedure or had recent surgery.  
• 
Inform patients that Regorafenib can cause fetal harm. Advise women of reproductive 
potential and men of the need for effective contraception during Regorafenib treatment 
and for up to 2 months after completion of treatment. Instruct women of reproductive 
potential to immediately contact her health care provider if pregnancy is suspected or 
confirmed during or within 2 months of completing treatment with Regorafenib.  
• 
Advise nursing mothers that it is not known whether Regorafenib is present in breast milk 
and discuss whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue Regorafenib.  
• 
Inform patients to take any missed dose on the same day, as soon as they remember, and 
that they must not take two doses on the same day to make up for a dose missed on the 
previous day.  
• 
Inform patients to store medicine in the original container. Do not place medication in 
daily or weekly pill boxes. Any remaining tablets should be discarded 28 days after 
opening the bottle. Tightly close bottle after each opening and keep the desiccant in the 
bottle  
  
Known Potential Toxicities of Regorafenib:  
Hepatotoxicity: Severe drug induced liver injury with fatal outcome occurred in 0.3% of 1200 
Stivarga-treated patients across all clinical trials. Liver biopsy results, when available, showed 
hepatocyte necrosis with lymphocyte infiltration. In Study 1, fatal hepatic failure occurred in 
1.6% of patients in the Regorafenib arm and in 0.4% of patients in the placebo arm; all the 
patients with hepatic failure had metastatic disease in the liver. In Study 2, fatal hepatic failure 
occurred in 0.8% of patients in the Regorafenib arm. Obtain liver function tests (ALT, AST and 
bilirubin) before initiation of Stivarga and monitor at least every two weeks during the first 2 
months of treatment. Thereafter, monitor monthly or more frequently as clinically indicated. 
Monitor liver function tests weekly in patients experiencing elevated liver function tests until 
improvement to less than 3 times the ULN or baseline.  Temporarily hold and then reduce or 
permanently discontinue Stivarga depending on the severity and persistence of hepatotoxicity as 
manifested by elevated liver function tests or hepatocellular necrosis.  
>10%:  
Cardiovascular: Hypertension (30% to 59%; grade ≥3: 8% to 28%)  
Central nervous system: Fatigue (52% to 64%), dysphonia (30% to 39%), pain (29%), 
fever (21% to 28%), headache (10% to 16%)  


40  
  
Dermatologic: Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (45% to 67%; grade ≥3: 17% to 22%), 
rash (26% to 30%; grade ≥3: 6% to 7%), alopecia (8% to 24%)  
Endocrine & metabolic: Hypocalcemia (17% to 59%), hypophosphatemia (55% to 57%), 
hyponatremia (30%), hypokalemia (21% to 26%), hypothyroidism (4% to 18%)  
Gastrointestinal: Appetite decreased (31% to 47%), lipase increased (14% to 46%), 
diarrhea (43% to 47%), mucositis (33% to 40%), weight loss (14% to 32%), amylase 
increased (26%), nausea (20%), vomiting (17%)  
Hematologic: Anemia (79%; grade 3: 5%; grade 4: 1%), lymphopenia (30% to 54%; grade  
3: 8% to 9%), thrombocytopenia (13% to 41%; grade 3: 1% to 2%; grade 4: <1%), 
INR increased (24%), hemorrhage (11% to 21%; grade ≥3: 2% to 4%), neutropenia 
(3% to 16%; grade 3: 1% to 2%)  
Hepatic: AST increased (58% to 65%; grade 3: 3% to 5%; grade 4: 1%), ALT increased  
(39% to 45%; grade 3: 4% to 5%; grade 4: 1%), hyperbilirubinemia (33% to 45%)  
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Stiffness (14%)  
Renal: Proteinuria (33% to 60%; grade 3: 3%)  
Miscellaneous: Infection (31% to 32%; grade ≥3: 5% to 9%) 1% 
to 10%:  
Cardiovascular: Myocardial ischemia and infarction (1%)  
Gastrointestinal: Taste disturbance (8%), xerostomia (5%), gastroesophageal reflux (1%)  
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Tremor (2%)  
Respiratory: Dyspnea (2%)  
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Bradycardia, erythema multiforme, 
gastrointestinal fistula, hypertensive crisis, liver injury (severe), liver failure, reversible 
posterior encephalopathy syndrome (RPLS), skin cancer (keratoacanthoma, squamous cell 
carcinoma), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis  
  
Pregnancy Category D:  
Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action, Regorafenib can cause fetal harm when 
administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with 
Regorafenib in pregnant women. Regorafenib was embryo lethal and teratogenic in rats and 
rabbits at exposures lower than human exposures at the recommended dose, with increased 
incidences of cardiovascular, genitourinary, and skeletal malformations. If this drug is used 
during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be 
apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus  
  
5.7 Primary and Secondary Endpoints:  Primary 
endpoint:   
• 
PFS-1:  measured from the start of the first treatment the patient is randomized to until 
the date the criteria for progression are met or the date the patient is taken off study for 
any reason, whichever is shorter.  
  
Secondary endpoints:   
• 
OS: measured from the start of treatment on trial until the death of the patient.  


41  
  
• 
mPFS-2: measured from the start of the crossover treatment (OPTIONAL, second 
regimen) until the date the criteria for progression are met or the date the patient is taken 
off study for any reason, whichever is shorter.  
• 
Response: measured as best response, complete response (CR) or partial response (PR), 
as defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) Committee.  
• 
Adverse events: grade 1-5 adverse events according to the National Cancer Institute 
Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) v4.0; measured at 
baseline, each cycle, and at off study date.  
• 
Biomarkers of efficacy of VOR/HCQ and RGF: We will obtain blood samples for plasma 
and PBMCs before start of treatment, prior to cycle 2, and off study treatment.  
  
5.8 Biomarker Analysis.   
Five blood samples will be collected during the timepoints listed above:  
• 
Baseline (within 14 days of starting Cycle 1)  
• 
Pre-Cycle 2  
• 
Off Study Treatment  
  
Blood samples will be collected in three tubes:   
• 
Two - 10-ml EDTA tubes for plasma   
• 
Three - 8 mL Vacutainer CPT tube for PBMCs  
  
The blood samples will be processed, and stored at Pharmacokinetic Sampling Department 
(PSD), Institute of Drug Development, at the Cancer Therapy and Research Center.  
  
Preparation of Plasma samples:  
1) Collect 20 mL of whole venous blood into 2- 10 mL EDTA tubes  
2) Centrifuge tubes at 2000 g for 15 minutes, at 4 C, to separate the cells from the Plasma.  
3) Prepare the labels for the cryovials. The label for each tube should be written in black 
water fast ink.  
4) Carefully transfer the top layer of the plasma from the EDTA tubes being careful not to 
disturb the Buffy Coat (white layer just below the plasma). Transfer up to 2 mL alloquots 
of plasma from the blood collection tubes into each of the 6 – 3.6 ml skirted bottom 
externally threaded cryovials.  
5) Transfer the white thick layer above the red blood cell pellet from the blood collection 
tube into 2 – 2 ml cryovials.  
6) Affix each label lengthwise to its corresponding tube and secure each label with a strip of 
clear plastic tape wrapped completely around the tube to ensure the label remains affixed 
to the tube during the freezing storage.  
7) Immediately place the labeled tubes of plasma and buffy coat in an upright position in a 
20°C freezer.    
8) Within 12 hours, transfer samples to -70°C freezer for long-term storage.   
  
Preparation of PBMC samples:  


42  
  
• 
Draw 8 mL of whole venous blood directly into each 8 mL Vacutainer CPT tubes and 
gently invert each tube 8 times.  
• 
After inverting the tubes, centrifuge both tubes at room temperature at 1500-1 800 g 
(2800 rpm) for 20 minutes. NOTE: Centrifuge must be capable of generating at least 
1500 RCF at the tube bottom.  
• 
Draw off the clear plasma layer and discard, leaving behind cloudy PBMC layer lying 
just above the gel barrier.  
• 
Transfer the PBMC layer into one 14 mL polypropylene centrifuge tubes.  
• 
Add 10 mL of PBS-DEPC (at room temperature) to each tube and invert 3 to 4 times.  
• 
Centrifuge at room temperature at 300 g (-1200 rpm) for 5 minutes.  
• 
Pour off and discard supernatant, leaving PBMC pellet behind.  
• 
Cap tube and store at -20°C.    
• 
Within 12 hours, transfer samples to -70°C freezer for long-term storage.   
  
Tumor biopsy   
At baseline, archival tissue from diagnosis will be documented, but if not available, we need 
documentation of mCRC. The archival tissue may be used for PD analysis. In such instances, 
TEN-FIFTEEN 15 micron (also called thick sections) paraffin-embedded tissue sections 
(unstained) and at least 1 H&E stained slide from the tumor biopsy.  
  
Optional tumor biopsy may be done for accessible tumors at Cycle 2. If a patient cross-overs to 
the other therapy arm following progression, another optional biopsy may be performed at 
second cycle of crossover treatment. This allows for analysis of tumor cytotoxic effects of 
therapy.  
  
Procedure for collection of Cycle 2 tumor biopsy:  
  
2 cores will be obtained and sent to PK lab for analysis.   
  
All planned PD analysis pertaining to the tumor biopsies obtained from patients with colorectal 
cancer, at baseline and again at 2 cycle (treatment arm or crossover arm) will be under 
supervision of the PI of the study.  
  
6.0 Schedule of events:  
Table 4: Study Calendar for Phase II study of VOR plus HCQ versus RGF in previously 
treated mCRC patients.   
  
  
Baseline  
Every cycle 
(+/- 3 days)  
C1D15 
and 
C2D15 
only (+/- 3 
days) 
 
Every 
other cycle 
(+/- 
3
days) 
Pre-cycle 2  
(+/- 3 days)  
Off 
treatme 
nt (+/- 
3 days)  
Informed Consent°  
Xα  
  
  
  
  
  


43  
  
History & Physical  X€  
X  
Ω  
  
  
X  
Pathology review and 
KRAS status 
documentation   
X  
  
  
  
  
  
Vital Signs  
X  
X  
 
 
 
X  
ECOG  
X  
X  
 
 
 
X  
CBC, CMP  
X  
X^  
XΩ  
 
 
X  
CEA, LDH  
X  
X^  
 
 
 
X  
PT/PTT  
X  
 
 
 
 
 
Serum Pregnancy 
Test°  
X  
 
 
 
 
 
EKG  
X  
X#  
 
 
X#  
 
Tumor Evaluation 
(CTs)±  
X  
 
 
X  
 
X  
Ophthalmologic 
Exam*°  
X*  
 
 
 
 
 
Tissue biopsy °  
X∞  
 
 
 
X∞  
 
PBMCs &  
Plasma/Serum  
Biomarkers°¶  
X  
 
 
 
X  
X  
Adverse Events°%  
X  
X  
 
 
 
X  
Concurrent 
medication review°  
X£  
X  
 
 
 
X  
  Standard of care 
°  Research purpose  
α  Consent should be done <30 days from C1D1, otherwise re-consent prior to C1D1  
€  Baseline History and Physical should ask for porphyria since that is an exclusion criteria and 
make sure patient has not taken Regorafenib, hydroxychloroquine or vorinostat in the past.   ^  
For Cycle 1, for patients who are assigned to VOR/HCQ arm, if baseline labs were done <14 
days from C1D1, then can omit CBC, CMP, CEA and LDH. Upon randomization, regorafenib 
prescription will be sent to specialty pharmacy.  If the patient receives the medication in <14 
days, then the patient can start at home. This start date will be C1D1.  If the patient receives ≥14 
days, then the patient will need a C1D1 clinical visit and labs: CBC, CMP, CEA, LDH.  
# Repeat EKG after cycle 2 only if clinically relevant  
Ω For Cycle 1 Day 15 and Cycle 2 Day 15, we will check CBC and CMP to evaluate for toxicity.  
Specifically, for RGF, we will monitor ALT, AST and bilirubin. For VOR, we will monitor 
blood counts.  History and physical exam only as needed or if clinically indicated.  
±  Baseline CT should be Day -36 to Day -1.  Every other cycle CT scans can be done +/- 4 days.  
Off treatment CT scan is done if not done at disease progression or in the last 28 days.  (See 
Appendix 13.1 for definitions of response).    
* ONLY required for patients receiving HCQ on study: If the patient is randomized to  
VOR/HCQ arm, and the patient is 70 year or older or has baseline ophthalmologic pathology 
(i.e., diabetic retinopathy), then a comprehensive eye exam will be done at baseline. If the 


44  
  
patient continues to receive HCQ on study at 6 months, a repeat comprehensive eye exam will 
be done at 6 months and then every 6 months while receiving HCQ on study. If the patient has 
visual disturbances while receiving HCQ, then an ophthalmologic evaluation will be done at 
that time. If the ophthalmologist recommends discontinuation of HCQ due to eye toxicity, 
then the patient will be taken off study for toxicity.   
Patients receiving RGF are not required to have baseline or follow- up eye exams, unless there 
is crossover to the VOR/HCQ arm. If patient moves onto VOR/HCQ crossover arm, eye exam 
is as stated above (patient is 70 year or older or has baseline ophthalmologic).  
∞  At baseline, archival tissue from diagnosis, but if not available, we need documentation of 
mCRC. Pre-cycle 2 tumor biopsy is optional.  Follow instructions in section 5.8. ¶  Baseline 
should be done within 14 days of starting Cycle 1. Pre-cycle 2 and Off Treatment blood 
draws can occur +/- 3 days.  Blood samples will be collected in five tubes: Two - 10-ml 
EDTA tubes for plasma, and Three - 8 mL Vacutainer CPT tubes for PBMCs. Follow 
instructions in section 5.8.   
% NCI-CTCAE v4.0 will be used to document adverse events  
£ Patients should not have taken valproic acid or another histone deacetylase inhibitor for at least 
2 weeks prior to enrollment.    
  
    
 


45  
  
BASELINE:  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL  
• 
PATHOLOGY REVIEW AND KRAS STATUS DOCUMENTATION  
• 
VITAL SIGNS  
• 
ECOG  
• 
LABS: CBC, CMP, CEA, PT/PTT  
• 
SERUM PREGNANCY TEST,   
• 
PBMCS AND PLASMA BIOMARKERS  
• 
EKG  
• 
TUMOR EVALUATION (CT)  
• 
OPHTALMOLOGY EXAM - Baseline ophthalmologic evaluation to evaluate in patients 
randomized to VOR/HCQ ARM who are 70 years and older or have underlying eye 
disease.  
• 
ADVERSE EVENTS EVALUATION  
• 
CONCURRENT MEDICATION REVIEW  
  
DAY 1 OF EVERY CYCLE  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAM  
• 
VITAL SIGNS  
• 
ECOG  
• 
LABS : CBC, CMP  
• 
EKG  
• 
ADVERSE EVENTS EVALUATION  
• 
CONCURRENT MEDICATION REVIEW  
  
DAY 15 OF CYCLE 1  
• 
LABS : CBC, CMP  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAM ONLY IF CLINICALLY INDICATED (AS 
NEEDED)  
    
DAY 1 OF CYCLE 2  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAM  
• 
VITAL SIGNS  
• 
ECOG  
• 
LABS : CBC, CMP  
• 
PBMCS AND PLASMA BIOMARKERS  
• 
EKG (Repeat EKG after cycle 2 only if clinically relevant)  
• 
ADVERSE EVENTS EVALUATION  
• 
CONCURRENT MEDICATION REVIEW  
  
DAY 15 OF CYCLE 2  
• 
LABS : CBC, CMP  


46  
  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAM ONLY IF CLINICALLY INDICATED (AS 
NEEDED)  
  
  
EVERY OTHER CYCLE  
• 
TUMOR EVALUATION (CT)  
  
DISEASE PROGRESSION:  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL  
• 
VITAL SIGNS  
• 
ECOG  
• 
LABS: CBC, CMP, CEA  
• 
TUMOR EVALUATION (CT)  
• 
ADVERSE EVENTS EVALUATION  
• 
CONCURRENT MEDICATION REVIEW  
  
OFF STUDY EVALUATION:  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL  
• 
VITAL SIGNS  
• 
ECOG  
• 
LABS: CBC, CMP, CEA, LDH  
• 
PBMCS AND PLASMA BIOMARKERS  
• 
TUMOR EVALUATION (CT) [if not done at disease progression or in last 28 days]  
• 
ADVERSE EVENTS EVALUATION  
• 
CONCURRENT MEDICATION REVIEW  
  
6.1 AE /SAE Relationship  
The Investigator will be asked to document his/her opinion of the relationship of the event to 
study medication as follows:  
  
• 
Unrelated  
The adverse event is clearly not related to the investigational agent(s).  
  
• 
Unlikely  
The adverse event is doubtfully related to the investigational agent(s).  
  
• 
Possible  
The adverse event may be related to the investigational agent(s).  
  
• 
Probable  
The adverse event is most likely related to the investigational agent(s).  
  


47  
  
• 
Definite  
The adverse event is clearly related to the investigational agent.  
  
6.2 Measurement of Effect  
For the purposes of this study, patients should be reevaluated for response every 8 weeks.  
  
Definitions  
Response and progression will be evaluated in this study using the new international criteria 
proposed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) Committee. Changes 
in only the largest diameter (unidimensional measurement) of the tumor lesions are used in the 
RECIST criteria (73). Note: Lesions are either measurable or non-measurable using the criteria 
provided below. The term "evaluable" in reference to measurability will not be used because it 
does not provide additional meaning or accuracy.  
  
See Appendix 13.1 for RECIST criteria  
  
7.0 Data Collection  
Data will be entered into Case Report Forms (CRF), which are currently in paper form.   
  
For each patient on study, the following will be documented:  
  
• 
Lab values: CBC, CMP, CEA, PTT/INR (when collected)  
• 
PFS-1:  measured from the start of the first treatment the patient is randomized to until the 
date the criteria for progression are met or the date the patient is taken off study for any 
reason, whichever is shorter).    
• 
OS: measured from the start of treatment on trial until the death of the patient (date of death)  
• 
PFS-2: measured from the start of the crossover treatment (Optional, second regimen) until 
the date the criteria for progression are met or the date the patient is taken off study for any 
reason, whichever is shorter.  
• 
Response: measured as best response at any given time: complete response (CR) or partial 
response (PR), as defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) 
Committee (73). (See Appendix 13.1 for definitions of response).    
• 
Adverse events: the number and grade 1-5 of all adverse events will be documented 
according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 
(NCI-CTCAE) v4.0; measured at baseline, each cycle, and at off study date.  
  
8.0 Data and Safety Monitoring Plan  
Data and Safety Monitoring Oversight  
A Data and Safety Monitoring Plan is required for all individual protocols conducted at UT 
Health Cancer Center. All protocols conducted at UT Health Cancer Center are covered under 
the auspices of the UT Health Cancer Center Institutional Data Safety Monitoring Plan (DSMP).    
  
The UT Health Cancer Center Institutional DSMP global policies provide individual trials with:   


48  
  
• 
institutional policies and procedures for institutional data safety and monitoring,   
• 
an institutional guide to follow,  
• 
monitoring of protocol accrual by the UT Health Cancer Center Protocol Review 
Committee,  
• 
review of study forms and orders by the Forms Committee,  
• 
tools for monitoring safety events,  
• 
independent monitoring and source data verification by the UT Health Cancer Center 
QA Monitor/Auditor  
• 
monitoring of UPIRSO’s by the Director of Quality Assurance and DSMB,  
• 
determining level of risk (Priority of Audit Level Score – PALS) ,   
• 
oversight by the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB),  and  
• 
verification of protocol adherence via annual audit for all Investigator Initiated Studies 
by the UT Health Cancer Center Quality Assurance Division.  
  
Monitoring Progress and Safety  
Due to the risks associated with participation in this protocol, the UT Health Cancer Center 
DSMB (DSMB#2) in conjunction with the Principal Investigator will perform assessment of 
adverse events, adverse event trends and treatment effects on this study.  The UT Health Cancer 
Center DSMB (DSMB#2) acts as an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) for IIS 
conducted at UT Health Cancer Center.  The UT Health Cancer Center DSMB (DSMB#2) will 
monitor data throughout the duration of a study to determine if continuation of the study is 
appropriate scientifically and ethically.  An additional layer of review is provided by the UT 
Health Cancer Center Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) who will review DSMB 
reports every 6 months.    
  
Baseline events and adverse events will be captured using the UT Health Cancer Center Master 
Adverse Events Document for each patient using CTCAE V4.0 for the grading and attribution of 
adverse events. Usage of the UT Health Cancer Center Master Adverse Events Document centrally 
documents:   
• 
the event and grades the seriousness of the event,   
• 
if the event was a change from baseline,    
• 
the determination of the relationship between the event and study intervention,   
• 
if the event was part of the normal disease process, and   
• 
what actions were taken as a result of the event.   
  
Safety Definitions:  
  
For this study, the following safety definitions will be applicable:  
  
Adverse Event Definition: An adverse event (AE) is defined as any untoward or unfavorable 
medical occurrence in a human subject, including any abnormal sign (for example, abnormal 
physical exam or laboratory finding), symptom, or disease, temporally associated with the 
subject’s participation in the research, whether or not considered related to the subject’s 
participation in the research  For this study, all adverse events will be documented starting with 
the first dose of the study drug  and ending 30 days after the last dose of study drug is received.   


49  
  
  
Serious Adverse Event Definition: is any adverse event that:  
1. results in death;  
2. is life-threatening (places the subject at immediate risk of death from the event as it 
occurred);  
3. results in inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization;  
4. results in a persistent or significant disability/incapacity;  
5. results in a congenital anomaly/birth defect; or  
6. based upon appropriate medical judgment, may jeopardize the subject’s health and may 
require medical or surgical intervention to prevent one of the other outcomes listed in this 
definition   
  
Unanticipated Problems Involving Risks to Subjects or Others Definition: Unanticipated problem 
involving risk to subjects or others includes any incident, experience or outcome that meets all of 
the following criteria:  
A. unexpected (in terms of nature, severity, or frequency) given (a) the research procedures 
that are described in the protocol-related documents, such as the IRB-approved research 
protocol and informed consent document; and (b) the characteristics of the subject 
population being studied (note: the unfounded classification of a serious adverse event as 
“anticipated” constitutes serious non-compliance);  
B. definitely related or probably related to participation in the research; and  
C. suggests that the research places subjects or others at a greater risk of harm (including 
physical, psychological, economic, or social harm) than was previously known or 
recognized  
  
Reporting Requirements  
For this study, the Master Adverse Events Documents collected on patients for this protocol will 
be reviewed by the Principal Investigator to determine if a serious safety problem has emerged 
that result in a change or early termination of a protocol such as:  
• 
dose modification,  
• 
suspending enrollment due to safety or efficacy, or  
• 
termination of the study due to a significant change in risks or benefits.    
  
The PI will provide the DSMB #2 with above findings every 6 months for discussion and review 
during their meetings.  
  
The endpoint for dose reduction is based on observed adverse events.  To identify the clinical 
and hematologic adverse events, this study will use NCI-CTCAE v4.0.  At each visit, including  
 
definitely related to VOR/HCQ will result in the dose being held until the AE has resolved to ≤ 
grade 1 or baseline. If the AE resolves, reinstitution of treatment can occur, but at a reduced 
dose. Dose reductions will be made as per Table below.  
  


50  
  
For patients randomized to the VOR/HCQ arm, a baseline ophthalmologic exam will be done in 
all patients over the age of 70 years or if there is baseline eye pathology as chronic use of HCQ 
has been associated rarely with visual disturbances.  If the patient remains on study receiving 
HCQ at 6 months, then repeat examination will be done every 6 months thereafter, if the patient 
continues to receive HCQ at that time, or sooner if the patient has any new ophthalmologic 
symptoms, with particular regard to visual field deficits. Patients should be cautioned to report 
any visual symptoms, particularly difficulty seeing entire words or faces, intolerance to glare, 
decreased night vision, or loss of peripheral vision. These symptoms of peripheral retinal toxicity 
should prompt drug discontinuation and ophthalmologic evaluation.  If the patient has visual 
disturbances while receiving HCQ, then an ophthalmologic evaluation will be done at that time. 
If the ophthalmologist recommends discontinuation of HCQ due to eye toxicity, then the patient 
will be taken off study for toxicity.  
    
Dose reductions for VOR plus HCQ Phase II study of VOR/HCQ in previously treated 
mCRC patients  
If toxicity due to both  
VOR and HCQ:  
  
  
Dose Level  
VOR  
HCQ  
0 (Standard Daily Dose)  400 mg  
600 mg  
-1  
300 mg  
400 mg  
-2  
200 mg  
200 mg  
  
If toxicity due to VOR:  
  
  
Dose Level  
VOR  
HCQ  
0 (Standard Daily Dose)  400 mg  
600 mg  
-1  
300 mg  
600 mg  
-2  
200 mg  
400 mg  
  
If toxicity due to HCQ:  
  
  
Dose Level  
VOR  
HCQ  
0 (Standard Daily Dose)  400 mg  
600 mg  
-1  
400 mg  
400 mg  
-2  
300 mg  
200 mg  
  
  
If toxicity due to RGF:  
  
Dose Level  
RGF  
0 (Standard Daily Dose)  160 mg  
-1  
120 mg  
-2  
80 mg  
  
Early Stopping Rules:  


51  
  
Early stopping for futility: The O'Brien-Fleming procedure will be used to conduct an interim 
analyses for efficacy when 50% of the patients complete the study.  A statistical basis for 
stopping the study at the first look will be achieved if the test statistic indicates benefit in the 
VOR/HCQ Arm and exceeds 2.96259, corresponding to a significance level of 0.003. If the test 
statistic does not exceed 2.96259 at the first look then the trial will proceed to the final analysis. 
A treatment effect will be declared significant and beneficial at the final analysis if the test 
statistic indicates benefit and exceeds 1.96857, corresponding to a significance level of 0.047.  If 
a treatment effect is not declared at the interim analysis, a statistical basis for stopping the study 
for futility will be attained if the conditional power is less than or equal to 20%.  
  
Early stopping for toxicity:   
The stopping rule for toxicity is not based on conditional statistical power but rather on observed 
adverse events.  A toxicity event for the purposes of safety stopping is defined as a grade 4 or 5 
toxicity of any kind due to treatment with VOR and/or HCQ.  If at any time during the study 
there are 2 or more grade 5 toxicities that are attributed to VOR and/or HCQ, then the study will 
be terminated.  If > 50% of patients are having similar type of grade 3 and 4 toxicity, then the 
study will be terminated.  If HCQ causes grade 4 peripheral retinal toxicity, there will be prompt 
drug discontinuation and ophthalmologic evaluation, with consideration for termination of study.  
  
As per the UT Health Cancer Center DSMP, any protocol modifications, problematic safety 
reports, unanticipated problems, and suspension or early termination of a trial must be reported 
to the DSMB #2 and all members of the research team.  Furthermore, the PI of this study will 
promptly notify all study affiliates, the UT Health San Antonio IRB, the UT Health Cancer 
Center DSMC, and the FDA via a FDA Form 3500Aa written IND safety report of any adverse 
events that are either serious and/or unexpected.  Suspension and early termination of a trial must 
also be reported immediately to the Director of Quality Assurance who will promptly notify the 
sponsor and the UT Health San Antonio IRB.   
  
The PI will provide adverse events findings using the Investigator Initiated Study DSMB Report 
Form every 6 months, to the DSMB#2.  The DSMB#2 will review the information provided by 
the PI and report to the UT Health Cancer Center DSMB as reports are scheduled, unless an 
emergent issue has been identified. The Investigator Initiated Study DSMB Report Form 
includes information on adverse events, current dose levels, number of patients enrolled, 
significant toxicities per the protocol, patient status (morbidity and mortality) dose adjustments 
with observed response, and any interim findings.  Any trend consisting of three or more of the 
same event will be reported to the UT Health Cancer Center DSMB for independent review 
outside of the reporting cycle, which begins three months following protocol start up. The 
DSMB#2 will also provide its findings to the UT Health Cancer Center Regulatory Affairs 
Division so that it may be provided to the UT Health San Antonio IRB with the protocol’s 
annual progress report. Conflict of interest is avoided by the independent reviews of the UT 
Health Cancer CenterDSMB#2, UT Health Cancer Center DSMB, and by ongoing independent 
review of UPIRSO trends by the Director of Quality Assurance.   
  
All SAE and UPRISO’s will be reported following UT Health Cancer Center, UT Health San 
Antonio institutional and FDA guidelines.  


52  
  
UT Health San Antonio SAE/UPRISO REPORTING REQUIREMENTS  
Type Event  
Report to  
Timeframe  
All AE, SAE and UPIRSO  
Regulatory Affairs & DQA  
Same as other notification 
timeframes except for SAE/AE 
which should be reported on 
Monday for the prior week  
SAE  
Sponsor  
within 24 hours  
AE/SAE  
UT Health San Antonio IRB  Annually  
UPIRSO - all  
Sponsor  
within 24 hours of the PI 
determining a UPIRSO exists  
UPIRSO - life threatening  
UT Health San Antonio IRB  
within 48 hours of the PI 
determining a UPIRSO exists  
UPIRSO- non-life threatening  UT Health San Antonio IRB  
within 7 days of the PI 
determining a UPIRSO exists  
  
AE’s and SAE events that occur during clinical trials with or without an Investigational New 
Drug (IND) application are mandatory reports submitted to FDA via Medwatch FDA F3500A 
within 15 days for events that have at least a possible relationship with the drug.  
  
Expedited Reporting for Phase II Studies (including hospitalization)*  
UNEXPECTED EVENT  
EXPECTED EVENT  
GRADES 2 - 3  
Attribution of  
Possible,  
Probable or  
Definite  
GRADES 4 - 5  
Regardless of  
Attribution  
GRADES 1 -  
3  
GRADES 4 - 5 Regardless of 
Attribution  
Expedited report 
within 10 
working days 
Grade 1 - 
Adverse Event  
Expedited 
Reporting NOT 
required.)  
Report by phone to IDB 
within 24 hrs. Expedited 
report to follow within 
10 working days. This 
includes all deaths within 
30 days of the last dose 
of treatment with an 
investigational agent 
regardless of attribution. 
Any late death attributed 
to the agent (possible, 
probable, or definite) 
should be reported within 
10 working days.  
Adverse Event  
Expedited 
Reporting  
NOT required.  
Expedited report, including Grade 
5 Aplasia in leukemia patients, 
within 10 working days.  
This includes all deaths within 30 
days of the last dose of treatment 
with an investigational agent 
regardless of attribution. Any late 
death attributed to the agent 
(possible, probable, or definite) 
should be reported within 10 
working days. Grade 4 
Myelosuppression or other Grade 
4 events that do not require 
expedited reporting will be 
specified in the protocol.  


53  
  
* For Hospitalization Only — Any medical event equivalent to CTC Grade 3, 4, 5 which 
precipitated hospitalization (or prolongation of existing hospitalization) must be reported 
regardless of requirements for Phase of study, expected or unexpected and attribution.  
  
Assuring Compliance with Protocol and Data Accuracy  
As with all studies conducted at UT Health Cancer Center, the PI has ultimate responsibility for 
ensuring protocol compliance, data accuracy/integrity and responding to recommendations that 
emanate from monitoring activities.   Source verification of data will be performed once a year 
as we have sufficient experience and safety evidence with this drug. Protocol compliance, data 
accuracy and reporting of events is further ensured by an annual audit conducted by the Data 
Safety Officer, whose audit report is shared with the PI, the research team, and will be reviewed 
by the UT Health Cancer Center DSMB.   
  
UT Health Cancer Center DSMB Membership  
The UT Health Cancer Center has two DSMB’s with a primary set of members specific to the 
histology of the study consisting of UT Health San Antonio faculty and staff.  This Protocol will 
utilize DSMB#2 for Solid Tumor Studies.   
  
As per NCI guidelines and to eliminate conflict of interest (financial, intellectual, professional, or 
regulatory in nature), the UT Health Cancer Center DSMB specific to this study will not treat 
patients on this protocol.  Usage of the DSMB specific to the histology has been created to 
ensure that experts in that histology are represented on the DSMB assembled for this protocol, 
but may be expanded, at the PI’s discretion, to include other members, which may include:  
• 
experts in the fields of medicine and science that are applicable to the study (if not 
currently represented on the DSMB),   
• 
statistical experts,   
• 
lay representatives,   
• 
multidisciplinary representation, from relevant specialties including experts such as 
bioethicists, biostatisticians and basic scientists, and  
• 
others who can offer an unbiased assessment of the study progress.   
  
Additional or alternate membership of in the DSMB is selected by the DSMC chair, in 
conjunction with the PI of this protocol.    
  
UT Health Cancer Center DSMB Charter and Responsibilities  
The UT Health Cancer Center DSMB will provide information on the membership composition, 
including qualifications and experience to both the UT Health San Antonio IRB and UT Health 
Cancer Center PRC for review.  The UT Health Cancer Center DSMB for this study will act as 
an independent advisory board to the PI and will report its findings and recommendations to the 
PI, the UT Health San Antonio IRB and the UT Health Cancer Center DSMB.   UT Health 
Cancer Center DSMB reports will utilize the Investigator Initiated Study DSMB Report Form 
and meetings will occur as scheduled to review any updates from the prior meeting.    
  


54  
  
Once the protocol is activated, if not already established elsewhere in the protocol the UT Health 
Cancer Center DSMB will establish and provide:   
• 
procedures for maintaining confidentiality;   
• 
statistical procedures including monitoring guidelines, which will be used to monitor the 
identified primary, secondary, and safety outcome variables;  
• 
consider factors external to the study when relevant information becomes available, such 
as scientific or therapeutic developments that may have an impact on the safety of the 
participants or the ethics of the study;   
• 
plans for changing frequency of interim analysis as well as procedures for recommending 
protocol changes;  
• 
recommendation of termination due to unfavorable benefit-to-risk or inability to answer 
study questions;   
• 
recommendation of continuation of ongoing studies;   
• 
recommend modification of sample sizes based on ongoing assessment of event rates; 
and  
• 
review of final results and publications.  
  
9.0 Minority Recruitment Plan  
Section 1: Minority Accrual Template 
Purpose:   
To assist the Principal Investigators (PIs) conducting Investigator Initiated  Studies (IIS) in 
determining whether or not they are meeting the NIH and NCI guidelines and recommendations 
for the inclusion of minorities in Clinical Trials.    
  
Preliminary information that Principal Investigators should consider include: o 
Overall Representation of Minorities in the target catchment area  
o The ethnic/racial distribution of the specific type of cancer that is being targeted    
  
The following resources can be utilized to determine target sample sizes for ethnic groups: 
o Texas Health Data  http://soupfin.tdh.state.tx.us/txhd.htm o Texas Cancer Registry   
www.dshs.tx.us/tcr/ o SEER Cancer Statistics Review   www.seer.cancer.gov o ACS 
Cancer Statistics www.cancer.org  
  
*Estimated Target Accrual (Total)   
This section asks for a projection of the total ethnic/racial and gender mix of the subjects   
  
Breakdown of subjects - Indicate the total targeted/planned accrual by Race 
& Gender  
Race  
      % Male    
      % Female  
Black or African American   
3  
3  
American Indian or Alaskan Native  
  
  
Asian  
2  
2  
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander    
  


55  
  
White  
45  
45  
More Than One Race  (Multiracial)  
  
  
Total  
50  
50  
Breakdown of subjects - Indicate the total targeted/planned accrual by 
Ethnicity & Gender.   
Ethnicity  
      % Male    
      % Female  
Hispanic or Latino  
25  
25  
Not Hispanic or Latino  
25  
25  
Total  
50  
50  
Section 2: Clinical Investigator Tools for Recruitment of Minorities  
Tool included 
in study  
LIST OF TOOLS AND ACTIONS FOR INCREASING MINORITY 
ACCRUAL TO CLINICAL TRIALS  
For assistance with submitting IRB documents, developing materials in 
English and Spanish, and scheduling public service announcements, please 
contact MAtools@uthscsa.edu  
Yes     No
  
1.  Include Clinical Trial information on UT Health Cancer Center website in 
both English and Spanish (Please notify MAtools@uthscsa.edu).  
Yes     No
  
2. Use of Bilingual Research Team Member or Translation services  
Yes     No
  
3. Identification of bilingual Patient Navigator representative of the Target  
Population Please  pecify:   
Yes     No
  
4.  Informed Consent available in Spanish  
Yes     No
  
6.  Information Brochures in English and Spanish** (IRB approval required)   
Yes     No
  
7.  Flyers in English and Spanish (two sided, printed in English on one side 
and Spanish on the other).** (IRB approval required)  
Yes     No
  
8.  Public Service Announcements (PSAs) or Advertisements- Spanish  
Radio** (IRB approval required)  
Yes     No
  
9.  PSA’s or Advertisements -Spanish newspapers (e.g., La Prensa)** (IRB 
approval required)  
Yes    No
  
10.  PSA’s or Advertisements -Spanish Television (e.g., Univision)** (IRB 
approval required)  


56  
  
Yes     No
  
11. Patient Friendly Fast Facts in English and Spanish ** (IRB approval 
required)  
Yes     No
  
12.  Outreach to advocacy or community organizations (including 
presentations or awareness campaigns). Please specify:   
  
Yes     No
  
13. Other. Please Specify:   
  
** - It is recommended to submit any patient materials to the IRB as an amendment after the 
initial IRB approval has been granted  
10.0 Statistical Section  
Analytic plan for primary objective:   
mPFS-1: Historically, the mPFS for previously treated mCRC patients treated with RGF is 1.9 
mos.  We predict VOR/HCQ will improve mPFS to 3.8 months.   We expect 5% lost to 
followup.  Assuming a 36-month accrual period with 1 year for follow up, 36 subjects per group 
are necessary to obtain 80% power. With 5% lost to follow-up the sample size required per group 
is 38 (=36/0.95), therefore, the total required sample size is 76 subjects.  As a result, the target 
accrual rate is 3-4 patients/month to achieve a target accrual at 36 months with an additional 
12month follow-up.     
  
Treatments will be contrasted with regard to PFS-1 with a proportional hazards model with 
adjustment for age, sex, race, and the baseline tumor K-RAS status (mutated, wild type); the 
adjusted hazard ratio, its 95% confidence interval, and the p-value for testing the null hypothesis 
that the log hazard ratio is zero will be presented.  Survival curves will be illustrated with 
Kaplan-Meier plots.  Interactions between treatment and baseline covariates will be explored.    
  
If a patient does not complete Cycle 1 and is off study, then this patient will not be evaluable 
for efficacy but will be evaluable for toxicity.  
   
Interim analysis:  The O'Brien-Fleming procedure will be used to conduct an interim analyses for 
efficacy when 50% of the patients complete the study.  A statistical basis for stopping the study 
at the first look will be achieved if the test statistic indicates benefit in the VOR/HCQ Arm and 
exceeds 2.96259, corresponding to a significance level of 0.003. If the test statistic does not 
exceed 2.96259 at the first look then the trial will proceed to the final analysis. A treatment effect 
will be declared significant and beneficial at the final analysis if the test statistic indicates benefit 
and exceeds 1.96857, corresponding to a significance level of 0.047.  If a treatment effect is not 
declared at the interim analysis, a statistical basis for stopping the study for futility will be 
attained if the conditional power is less than or equal to 20%.  
  


57  
  
Analytic plan for secondary objectives:  
• 
OS: The analyses of median OS will be performed in the intent-to-treat population.  OS will 
be illustrated with Kaplan-Meier plots, the estimate of median OS with its 95% confidence 
interval.  Treatment groups will be contrasted with regard to the response rate with a logistic 
regression model adjusted for age, sex, race and the baseline tumor K-RAS status (mutated, 
wild type); the odds ratio, its 95% confidence interval, and the p-value for testing the null 
hypothesis that the log odds ratio is zero will be presented.  If the logistic model fails due to 
small cell counts then treatments will be contrasted with regard to response using Fisher’s 
Exact Test.    
• 
mPFS-2: The analyses of median PFS-2 will be performed in the crossover population. 
Crossover to the other arm will be allowed, but OPTIONAL, and will be determined by the 
treating physician for the patient’s best interest.   mPFS-2 will be illustrated with 
KaplanMeier plots, the estimate of median PFS-2 with its 95% confidence interval.  
Treatment groups will be contrasted with regard to the response rate with a logistic regression 
model adjusted for age, sex, race and the baseline tumor K-RAS status (mutated, wild type); 
the odds ratio, its 95% confidence interval, and the p-value for testing the null hypothesis that 
the  
log odds ratio is zero will be presented.  If the logistic model fails due to small cell counts 
then treatments will be contrasted with regard to response using Fisher’s Exact Test.    
• 
Response rates: Response rates will be measured as the proportion of patients with the best 
response, complete response (CR) or partial response (PR), as defined by RECIST 1.1 
Criteria and a 95% confidence interval. (See Appendix 13.2 for RECIST 1.1 criteria)  
• 
Adverse events: All adverse events will be listed by type and grade.  All adverse events will 
be listed by treatment group, level of seriousness (serious, not serious).  Treatments will be 
contrasted with regard to each adverse event with Fisher’s Exact Test.    
• 
Biomarkers of efficacy of VOR/HCQ and RGF:  Biomarkers will be graphically displayed to 
demonstrate patterns across time and group and to identify the need for transformations and 
potential outliers.  The significance of variation in biomarkers with treatment will be assessed 
with linear models with and without adjustment for age, sex, race and the baseline tumor 
KRAS status (mutated, wild type).  The dependent variables will be log transformed (base 2) 
if necessary.  The relation between treatment efficacy, as measured by PFS-1, and biomarkers 
will be assessed with proportional hazards models in terms of treatment, the biomarker, the 
biomarker by treatment interaction, age, sex, race, and baseline tumor K-RAS status 
(mutated, wild type).  Significant effects will be described and illustrated, as appropriate, 
with Kaplan Meier plots by strata determined by biomarker level and treatment group, for 
example.   
  
Sample size justification: Historically, the mPFS for previously treated mCRC patients treated 
with RGF is 1.9 mos.  We predict VOR/HCQ will improve mPFS to 3.8 months.   We expect 5% 
lost to follow-up.  Assuming a 36-month accrual period with 1 year for follow up, 36 subjects per 
group are necessary to obtain 80% power. With 5% lost to follow-up the sample size required per 
group is 38 (=36/0.95), therefore, the total required sample size is 76 subjects.  As a result, the 
target accrual rate is 3-4 patients/month to achieve a target accrual at 36 months with an 
additional 12-month follow-up.     
  


58  
  
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12.0 Appendices  
12.1  RECIST 1.1 criteria for Measurement of Effect  
12.2  ECOG Performance Status  
12.3    Handout for patients randomized to the regorafenib arm  
  
12.1  RECIST 1.1 criteria for Measurement of Effect  
For the purposes of this study, patients should be re-evaluated for response every 8 weeks.  
  
Definitions  
Response and progression will be evaluated in this study using the new international criteria 
proposed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) Committee. Changes 
in only the largest diameter (unidimensional measurement) of the tumor lesions are used in the 
RECIST criteria (73). Note: Lesions are either measurable or non-measurable using the criteria 
provided below. The term "evaluable" in reference to measurability will not be used because it 
does not provide additional meaning or accuracy.  
  
Measurable disease  
Measurable lesions are defined as those that can be accurately measured in at least one 
dimension (longest diameter to be recorded) as > 20 mm with conventional techniques (CT, 
MRI, x-ray) or as > 10 mm with spiral CT scan. All tumor measurements must be recorded in 
millimeters (or decimal fractions of centimeters).  
  
Non-measurable disease  
All other lesions (or sites of disease), including small lesions (longest diameter < 20 mm with 
conventional techniques or < 10 mm using spiral CT scan), are considered nonmeasurable 
disease. Bone lesions, leptomeningeal disease, ascites, pleural/pericardial effusions, lymphangitis 
cutis, inflammatory breast disease, abdominal masses (not followed by CT or MRI), and cystic 
lesions are all non-measurable.  
  
Target lesions  
All measurable lesions up to a maximum of five lesions per organ and 10 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) and their suitability for accurate repeated measurements (either by imaging 
techniques or clinically). A sum of the longest diameter (LD) for all target lesions will be 


66  
  
calculated and reported as the baseline sum LD. The baseline sum LD will be used as reference 
by which to characterize the objective tumor response.  
  
Non-target lesions  
All other lesions (or sites of disease) should be identified as non-target lesions and should also be 
recorded at baseline. Non-target lesions include measurable lesions that exceed the maximum 
numbers per organ or total of all involved organs as well as nonmeasurable lesions.   
  
Measurements of these lesions are not required, but the presence or absence of each should be 
noted throughout follow-up.  
  
Guidelines for Evaluation of Measurable Disease  
All measurements should be taken and recorded in metric notation using a ruler or calipers. All 
baseline evaluations should be performed as closely as possible to the beginning of treatment and 
never more than 4 weeks before the beginning of the treatment.   
  
Note: Tumor lesions that are situated in a previously irradiated area are not to be considered 
evaluable for response, unless documented progression prior to study enrollment.   
  
The same method of assessment and the same technique should be used to characterize each 
identified and reported lesion at baseline and during follow-up. Imaging-based evaluation is 
preferred to evaluation by clinical examination when both methods have been used to assess the 
antitumor effect of a treatment.  
  
Clinical lesions: Clinical lesions will only be considered measurable when they are superficial 
(e.g., skin nodules and palpable lymph nodes). In the case of skin lesions, documentation by 
color photography, including a ruler to estimate the size of the lesion, is recommended.  
   
Conventional CT and MRI: These techniques should be performed with cuts of 10 mm or less 
in slice thickness contiguously. Spiral CT should be performed using a 5 mm contiguous 
reconstruction algorithm. This applies to tumors of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Head and 
neck tumors and those of extremities usually require specific protocols.   
  
Ultrasound (US): When the primary endpoint of the study is PFS evaluation, US should not be 
used to measure tumor lesions. It is, however, a possible alternative to clinical measurements of 
superficial palpable lymph nodes, subcutaneous lesions, and thyroid nodules. US might also be 
useful to confirm the complete disappearance of superficial lesions usually assessed by clinical 
examination.  
  
Endoscopy, Laparoscopy: The utilization of these techniques for objective tumor evaluation has 
not yet been fully and widely validated. Their uses in this specific context require sophisticated 
equipment and a high level of expertise that may only be available in some centers. Therefore, 
the utilization of such techniques for objective tumor response should be restricted to validation 


67  
  
purposes in reference centers. However, such techniques may be useful to confirm complete 
pathological response when biopsies are obtained.  
  
Cytology, Histology: These techniques can be used to differentiate between partial responses 
(PR) and complete responses (CR) in rare cases (e.g., residual lesions in tumor types, such as 
germ cell tumors, where known residual benign tumors can remain). The cytological 
confirmation of the neoplastic origin of any effusion that appears or worsens during treatment 
when the measurable tumor has met criteria for response or stable disease is mandatory to 
differentiate between response or stable disease (an effusion may be a side effect of the 
treatment) and progressive disease.   
  
Response Criteria  
Evaluation of target lesions  
• 
Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions  
• 
Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of the longest diameter (LD) 
of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum LD  
• 
Progressive Disease (PD): At least a 20% increase in the sum of the longest diameter 
(LD) of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum LD recorded since treatment 
started or the appearance of one or more new lesions.  
• 
Stable Disease (SD): Neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for a PR nor sufficient 
increase to qualify for PD, taking as reference the smallest sum LD since the treatment 
started.  
  
Evaluation of non-target lesions  
• 
Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all non-target lesions and normalization of 
tumor marker level    
• 
Incomplete Response/ Stable Disease (SD): Persistence of one or more non-target 
lesions(s) and/or maintenance of tumor marker level above the normal limits.  
• 
Progressive Disease (PD): Appearance of one or more new lesions and/or unequivocal 
progression of existing non-target lesions.    
  
12.2 ECOG Performance Status  
  
Grade  ECOG  
0  
Fully active, able to carry on all pre-disease performance without restriction  
1  
Restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to carry out work 
of a light or sedentary nature, e.g., light house work, office work  
2  
Ambulatory and capable of all selfcare but unable to carry out any work activities. Up 
and about more than 50% of waking hours  


68  
  
3  
Capable of only limited selfcare, confined to bed or chair more than 50% of waking 
hours  
4  
Completely disabled. Cannot carry on any selfcare. Totally confined to bed or chair  
5  
Dead  
  
Oken, M.M., Creech, R.H., Tormey, D.C., Horton, J., Davis, T.E., McFadden, E.T., Carbone, 
P.P.: Toxicity And Response Criteria Of The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. Am J Clin 
Oncol 5:649-655, 1982.  
  
12.3 Handout for patients randomized to the regorafenib arm  
  
Taking the Regorafenib Tablet    
  
Please take Regorafenib at the same time each day.     
  
Swallow tablet whole with a low-fat breakfast that contains less than 30% fat.   
  
Examples of a low-fat breakfast include:    
  
Menu 1  
2 slices of white toast   
1 tablespoon of low-fat margarine   
1 tablespoon of jelly  
 8 ounces of skim milk   
  
The food items in Menu 1 contain a total of 319 calories and 8.2 g fat.   
  
Menu 2  
1 cup of cereal  
8 ounces of skim milk 
1 slice of toast with jam 
apple juice  
1 cup of coffee or tea   
  
The food items in Menu 2 contain a total of 520 calories and 2 g fat.    
  
Missed doses:   
Do not take two doses of Regorafenib on the same day to make up for a missed dose from the 
previous day.   
13.0 Protocol Amendment Summary  
  


69  
  
Protocol Amendment 2.0 Dated 04/06/15 (Additions to a section are in bold, deleted have a 
line through)  
  
Section 5.2 Randomization - The patient should start the treatment within 14 10 days of 
randomization.    
  
Upon randomization, regorafenib prescription will be sent to specialty pharmacy.  If the 
patient receives the medication in <14 days, then the patient can start at home. The start 
date will be C1D1.  If the patient receives >14 days, then the patient will need a C1D1 
clinical visit and labs: CBC, CMP, CEA and biomarkers.  
  
Section 6.0 Schedule of Events, footnote ^ - For Cycle 1, for patients who are assigned to  
VOR/HCQ arm, if baseline labs were done <14 days from C1D1, then can omit CBC, CMP, 
CEA and LDH. Upon randomization, regorafenib prescription will be sent to specialty 
pharmacy.  If the patient receives the medication in <14 days, then the patient can start 
at home. This start date will be C1D1.  If the patient receives ≥14 days, then the patient 
will need a C1D1 clinical visit and labs: CBC, CMP, CEA, LDH.  
  
Reason for Change: Regorafenib, a standard of care drug, comes from a specialty pharmacy and 
can take some time for patient to receive medication.  
  
Protocol Amendment 3.0 Dated 03/01/16 (Additions to a section are in bold, deleted have a 
line through)  
  
Formatting, spelling and administrative changes were made throughout protocol.  
  
Added Investigator Agreement signature page.  
  
Deleted abbreviations not needed for this protocol.  
  
Updated Table of Contents.  
  
Exclusion Criteria:  
5.  Patients with previously documented macular degeneration or untreated diabetic retinopathy 
(stable retinopathy is allowed).  
  
Reason for Change: Clarifies patients with diabetic retinopathy are excluded.  
  
Exclusion Criteria:  
12.  QTc > 500 ms at baseline (average of 3 determinations at 10 minute intervals).  
  
Reason for Change: Only a single EKG is done.  
  
5.3.1 Duration of Intervention and Evaluation:   


70  
  
Follow-up: A repeat CT scan will be performed after 2 cycles of treatment regimen to evaluate 
response based on RECIST 1.1 criteria (See Appendix 13.1 for definitions of response) (73).  
Serum tumor marker CEA and CT scans will be repeated at least every 2 cycles, or 8 weeks, to 
ensure no progression of disease. Patients will continue on VOR/HCQ or RGF until disease 
progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal of consent by the patient, or decision of physician 
for patient’s best interest. Crossover to the other arm will be allowed, but OPTIONAL, and will be 
determined by the treating physician for the patient’s best interest. If patient is not given crossover 
treatment, then the patient will be off study and will be allowed to receive subsequent treatments.  
Each patient will be followed for 1 year. We will follow the last patient for 12 months, at which 
time, the study will be completed for data analysis.  
  
Rational for Change: Serum tumor marker CEA will not be done.  
  
5.8 Biomarker Analysis.   
  
Three Five blood samples will be collected during the timepoints listed above:  
• 
Baseline (within 14 days of starting Cycle 1)  
• 
Pre-Cycle 2  
• 
Off Study Treatment  
  
Blood samples will be collected in five tubes:   
• 
Two - 10-ml EDTA tubes for plasma   
• 
One Three - 8 mL Vacutainer CPT tubes for PBMCs  
  
Rational for Change: Clarification on number of tubes for biomarker analysis.  
  
Tumor biopsy   
At baseline, archival tissue from diagnosis will be documented, but if not available, we need 
documentation of mCRC. The archival tissue may be used for PD analysis. In such instances, 
TENFIFTEEN 15 micron (also called thick sections) paraffin-embedded tissue sections 
(unstained) and at least 1 H&E stained slide from the tumor biopsy.  
  
Optional tumor biopsy may be done for accessible tumors at Cycle 2. If a patient cross-overs to the 
other therapy arm following progression, another optional biopsy may be performed at second 
cycle of crossover treatment. This allows for analysis of tumor cytotoxic effects of therapy.  
  
Procedure for collection of Cycle 2 tumor biopsy:  
2 cores will be obtained and sent to PK lab for analysis.   
  
All planned PD analysis pertaining to the tumor biopsies obtained from patients with colorectal 
cancer, at baseline and again at 2 cycle (treatment arm or crossover arm) will be under supervision 
of the PI of the study.  
  


71  
  
Rational for Change: This section clarifies the timing, processing and handling of tumor 
biopsies and the timing of the tumor biopsy for the crossover arm.  This biopsy is optional.  
  
6.0 Schedule of events:  
  
Table 4: Study Calendar for Phase II study of VOR plus HCQ versus RGF in previously 
treated mCRC patients.   
  
  
Baseline  
Every cycle 
(+/- 3 days) 
C1D15 and 
C2D15 
only  
(+/- 3 days) 
 
Every 
other cycle 
(+/- 
3
days) 
Pre-cycle 2  
(+/- 3 days) 
Off 
treatme 
nt (+/- 
3 days) 
Informed Consent°  
Xα  
  
  
  
  
  
History & Physical  X€  
X  
Ω  
  
  
X  
Pathology review and 
KRAS status 
documentation   
X  
  
  
  
  
  
Vital Signs  
X  
X  
  
  
  
X  
ECOG  
X  
X  
  
  
  
X  
CBC, CMP  
X  
X^  
XΩ  
  
  
X  
CEA, LDH  
X  
X^  
  
  
  
X  
PT/PTT  
X  
  
  
  
  
  
Serum Pregnancy 
Test°  
X  
  
  
  
  
  
EKG  
X  
X#  
  
  
X#  
  
Tumor Evaluation 
(CTs)±  
X  
  
  
X  
  
X  
Ophthalmologic 
Exam*°  
X*  
  
  
  
  
  
Tissue biopsy °  
X∞  
  
  
  
X∞  
  
PBMCs &  
Plasma/Serum  
Biomarkers°¶  
X  
  
  
  
X  
X  
Adverse Events°%  
X  
X  
  
  
  
X  
Concurrent 
medication review°  
X£  
X  
  
  
  
X  
  Standard of care °  Research purpose α  Consent should be done <30 days from C1D1, 
otherwise re-consent prior to C1D1  
€  Baseline History and Physical should ask for porphyria since that is an exclusion criteria and 
make sure patient has not taken Regorafenib, hydroxychloroquine or vorinostat in the past.    


72  
  
^  For Cycle 1, for patients who are assigned to VOR/HCQ arm, if baseline labs were done <14 
days from C1D1, then can omit CBC, CMP, CEA and LDH. Upon randomization, regorafenib 
prescription will be sent to specialty pharmacy.  If the patient receives the medication in <14 
days, then the patient can start at home. This start date will be C1D1.  If the patient receives ≥14 
days, then the patient will need a C1D1 clinical visit and labs: CBC, CMP, CEA, LDH.  
# Repeat EKG after cycle 2 only if clinically relevant  
Ω For Cycle 1 Day 15 and Cycle 2 Day 15, we will check CBC and CMP to evaluate for toxicity.  
Specifically, for RGF, we will monitor ALT, AST and bilirubin. For VOR, we will monitor 
blood counts.  History and physical exam only as needed or if clinically indicated.  
±  Baseline CT should be Day -36 to Day -1.  Every other cycle CT scans can be done +/- 4 days.  
Off treatment CT scan is done if not done at disease progression or in the last 28 days.  (See 
Appendix 13.1 for definitions of response).    
* ONLY required for patients receiving HCQ on study: Ophthalmology evaluations at baseline if 
the patient is 70 years or older; it is repeated if any visual disturbances occurred while a patient 
was on study.  If the patient is randomized to VOR/HCQ arm, and the patient is 70 year or 
older or has baseline ophthalmologic pathology (i.e., diabetic retinopathy), then a 
comprehensive eye exam will be done at baseline. If the patient continues to receive HCQ 
on study at 6 months, a repeat comprehensive eye exam will be done at 6 months and then 
every 6 months while receiving HCQ on study. If the patient has visual disturbances while 
receiving HCQ, then an ophthalmologic evaluation will be done at that time. If the 
ophthalmologist recommends discontinuation of HCQ due to eye toxicity, then the patient 
will be taken off sudy for toxicity.    
Patients receiving RGF are not required to have baseline or follow- up eye exams, unless 
there is crossover to the VOR/HCQ arm. If patient moves onto VOR/HCQ crossover arm, 
eye exam is as stated above (patient is 70 year or older or has baseline ophthalmologic).  
∞  At baseline, archival tissue from diagnosis, but if not available, we need documentation of 
mCRC. Pre-cycle 2 tumor biopsy is optional.  Follow instructions in section 5.8.  
If the patient crosses over to the other treatment arm, then tumor biopsy is optional at cycle 
2 of the crossover treatment.  
¶  Baseline should be done within 14 days of starting Cycle 1. Pre-cycle 2 and Off Treatment blood 
draws can occur +/- 3 days.  Blood samples will be collected in three five tubes: Two - 10-ml 
EDTA tubes for plasma, and One Three - 8 mL Vacutainer CPT tube for PBMCs. Follow 
instructions in section 5.8.   
% NCI-CTCAE v4.0 will be used to document adverse events  
£ Patients should not have taken valproic acid or another histone deacetylase inhibitor for at least 
2 weeks prior to enrollment.    
  
    
BASELINE:  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL  
• 
PATHOLOGY REVIEW AND KRAS STATUS DOCUMENTATION  


73  
  
• 
VITAL SIGNS  
• 
ECOG  
• 
LABS: CBC, CMP, CEA, PT/PTT  
• 
SERUM PREGNANCY TEST,   
• 
PBMCS AND PLASMA BIOMARKERS  
• 
EKG  
• 
TUMOR EVALUATION (CT)  
• 
OPHTALMOLOGY EXAM – Patients 70 years and older will need a baseline Baseline 
ophthalmologic evaluation to evaluate for macular degeneration or retinopathy in patients 
randomized to VOR/HCQ ARM who are 70 years and older or have underlying eye 
disease.  
• 
ADVERSE EVENTS EVALUATION  
• 
CONCURRENT MEDICATION REVIEW  
  
DAY 1 OF every CYCLE  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAM  
• 
VITAL SIGNS  
• 
ECOG  
• 
LABS : CBC, CMP  
• 
EKG  
• 
ADVERSE EVENTS EVALUATION  
• 
CONCURRENT MEDICATION REVIEW  
  
DAY 15 OF CYCLE 1  
• 
LABS : CBC, CMP  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAM ONLY IF CLINICALLY INDICATED (AS 
NEEDED)  
  
DAY 1 OF CYCLE 2  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAM  
• 
VITAL SIGNS  
• 
ECOG  
• 
LABS : CBC, CMP  
• 
PBMCS AND PLASMA BIOMARKERS  
• 
EKG (Repeat EKG after cycle 2 only if clinically relevant)  
• 
ADVERSE EVENTS EVALUATION  
• 
CONCURRENT MEDICATION REVIEW  
  
DAY 15 OF CYCLE 2  
• 
LABS : CBC, CMP  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAM ONLY IF CLINICALLY INDICATED (AS 
NEEDED)  
  


74  
  
  
EVERY OTHER CYCLE  
• 
TUMOR EVALUATION (CT)  
  
DISEASE PROGRESSION:  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL  
• 
VITAL SIGNS  
• 
ECOG  
• 
LABS: CBC, CMP, CEA, PT/PTT LDH  
• 
TUMOR EVALUATION (CT)  
• 
ADVERSE EVENTS EVALUATION  
• 
CONCURRENT MEDICATION REVIEW  
  
OFF STUDY EVALUATION:  
• 
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL  
• 
VITAL SIGNS  
• 
ECOG  
• 
LABS: CBC, CMP, CEA, PT/PTT LDH  
• 
PBMCS AND PLASMA BIOMARKERS  
• 
TUMOR EVALUATION (CT) [if not done at disease progression or in last 28 days]  
• 
ADVERSE EVENTS EVALUATION  
• 
CONCURRENT MEDICATION REVIEW  
  
Rational for Change:  Clarify the window of when patient should be consented again if there is 
a delay to start C1D1.  Further clarifies management of patients receiving VOR/HCQ in regards 
to monitoring for eye toxicity that may be a side effect of HCQ.  Clarifies management of 
patients with known eye disease, like diabetic retinopathy, as well as follow-up exam.  Clarifies 
the timing of the tumor biopsy for the crossover arm. This biopsy is optional.  Clarification on 
number of tubes for biomarker analysis.  Clarification on eye exam requirements.  Clarification 
to coincide with study calendar.    
Monitoring Progress and Safety  
Due to the risks associated with participation in this protocol, the UT Health Cancer Center 
DSMB (DSMB#2) in conjunction with the Principal Investigator will perform assessment of 
adverse events, adverse event trends and treatment effects on this study.  The UT Health Cancer 
Center DSMB (DSMB#2) acts as an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) for IIS 
conducted at UT Health Cancer Center.  The UT Health Cancer Center DSMB (DSMB#2) will 
monitor data throughout the duration of a study to determine if continuation of the study is 
appropriate scientifically and ethically.  An additional layer of review is provided by the UT 
Health Cancer Center Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) who will review DSMB 
reports every 3 months for the first year, and thereafter every 6 months.  
Rational for Change: Clarification on timing of the DSMB review.  


75  
  
The PI will provide the DSMB #2 with above findings every 3 months for the first year, and 
thereafter every 6 months, for discussion and review during their meetings.  
  
Rational for Change: Clarification on timing of the DSMB review.  
For patients randomized to the VOR/HCQ arm, a baseline ophthalmologic exam will be done in 
all patients over the age of 70 years or if there is baseline eye pathology who receiving HCQ as 
chronic use of HCQ has been associated rarely with visual disturbances.  If the patient remains 
on study receiving HCQ at 6 months, then repeat examination will be done every 6 months 
thereafter, if the patient continues to receive HCQ at that time, or sooner if the patient has 
due with any new ophthalmologic symptoms, with particular regard to visual field deficits. 
Patients should be cautioned to report any visual symptoms, particularly difficulty seeing entire 
words or faces, intolerance to glare, decreased night vision, or loss of peripheral vision. These 
symptoms of peripheral retinal toxicity should prompt drug discontinuation and ophthalmologic 
evaluation. If the patient has visual disturbances while receiving HCQ, then an 
ophthalmologic evaluation will be done at that time. If the ophthalmologist recommends 
discontinuation of HCQ due to eye toxicity, then the patient will be taken off study for 
toxicity.  
Rational for Change: Clarifies safety measures to monitor for rare toxicity by HCQ.  
The PI will review the Master Adverse Event documents to determine the significance of the 
reported events and will provide adverse events findings using the Investigator Initiated Study 
DSMC Report Form every 3 months for the first year, and thereafter every 6 months, to the  
DSMB#2.  The DSMB#2 will review the information provided by the PI and report to the UT 
Health Cancer Center DSMC every 3 months for the first year, and thereafter every 6 months as 
reports are scheduled, unless an emergent issue has been identified. The Investigator Initiated 
Study DSMC Report Form includes information on adverse events, current dose levels, number 
of patients enrolled, significant toxicities per the protocol, patient status (morbidity and 
mortality) dose adjustments with observed response, and any interim findings.  Any trend 
consisting of three or more of the same event will be reported to the UT Health Cancer Center 
DSMC DSMB for independent review outside of the reporting cycle, which begins three months 
following protocol start up. The DSMB#2 will also provide its findings to the UT Health Cancer 
Center’s Regulatory Affairs Division so that it may be provided to the UT Health San Antonio 
IRB with the protocol’s annual progress report. Conflict of interest is avoided by the independent 
reviews of the UT Health Cancer CenterDSMB#2, UT Health Cancer Center DSMC DSMB, and 
by ongoing independent review of UPIRSO trends by the Director of Quality Assurance.  
Rational for Change: PI will review the Master Adverse Events.  
  
Protocol Amendment 4.0 Dated 7/13/16 (Additions to a section are in bold, deleted have a line 
through)  
  
Exclusion Criteria:  


76  
  
6. Patients who have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy within 2 weeks (6 weeks for nitrosoureas 
or mitomycin C) prior to entering the study. For investigational targeted therapies, patients 
will need to clear for 5 half-lives (not applicable to standard of care therapies).  
  
Reason for Change: This amendment is a clarification regarding the exclusion criteria for 
INVESTIGATIONAL targeted therapies.  
  
Protocol Amendment 5.0 Dated 06/14/2017   
  
Changed PI from Devalingam Mahalingam, MD, PhD to Sukeshi Patel Arora, MD.   
  
Rationale – Updated due to change in PI and changes in staffing  
  
Throughout Protocol  
Editorial changes made throughout to update site name CTRC to UT Health Cancer Center and 
UTHSCSA to UT Health San Antonio  
  
Rationale – Update to coincide with UT Health San Antonio rebranding process