Dataset Information

A Phase II Study of the Multikinase Inhibitor Ponatinib in Patients With Advanced, RET-Rearranged NSCLC.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

RET rearrangements define a distinct molecular subset of NSCLC. The multikinase inhibitor ponatinib reveals potent activity in preclinical models of RET-rearranged NSCLC.

Methods

In this single-arm, multicenter, phase II trial, we evaluated the clinical activity of ponatinib in patients with advanced, previously treated, RET-rearranged NSCLC (NCT01813734). RET rearrangements were identified through fluorescence in situ hybridization or next-generation sequencing. Ponatinib was administered at a dose of 30 mg once daily. Patients without a documented objective response were eligible to dose-escalate ponatinib to 45 mg daily. The primary end point was objective response rate.

Results

Between August 2014 and December 2017, nine patients were enrolled. The median age was 58 years (range 49-73 y). Eight patients (89%) had a history of brain metastases. The median number of previous lines of therapy was three (range 1-5). Of the nine evaluated patients, five (55%) experienced tumor shrinkage from baseline, but no confirmed responses were observed (objective response rate 0%). The disease control rate was 55%. With a median follow-up of 9.33 months, the median progression-free survival and overall survival were 3.80 months (95% CI: 1.83-5.30) and 17.47 months (95% CI: 6.57-19.20), respectively. The most common treatment-related adverse events were rash (n = 5; 56%), constipation (n = 4; 44%), and diarrhea (n = 4; 44%). No treatment-related thromboembolic or cardiac events were observed. The study was stopped prematurely owing to slow accrual and lack of clinical activity.

Conclusions

Ponatinib has limited clinical activity in patients with RET-rearranged NSCLC. Continued development of more potent and selective RET inhibitors is needed.

SUBMITTER: Gainor JF

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8474450 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BACKGROUND:RET rearrangements are found in 1-2% of non-small-cell lung cancers. Cabozantinib is a multikinase inhibitor with activity against RET that produced a 10% overall response in unselected patients with lung cancers. To assess the activity of cabozantinib in patients with RET-rearranged lung cancers, we did a prospective phase 2 trial in this molecular subgroup. METHODS:We enrolled patients in this open-label, Simon two-stage, single-centre, phase 2, single-arm trial in the USA if they met the following criteria: metastatic or unresectable lung cancer harbouring a RET rearrangement, Karnofsky performance status higher than 70, and measurable disease. Patients were given 60 mg of cabozantinib orally per day. The primary objective was to determine the overall response (Response Criteria Evaluation in Solid Tumors version 1.1) in assessable patients; those who received at least one dose of cabozantinib, and had been given CT imaging at baseline and at least one protocol-specified follow-up timepoint. We did safety analyses in the modified intention-to-treat population who received at least one dose of cabozantinib. The accrual of patients with RET-rearranged lung cancer to this protocol has been completed but the trial is still ongoing because several patients remain on active treatment. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01639508. FINDINGS:Between July 13, 2012, and April 30, 2016, 26 patients with RET-rearranged lung adenocarcinomas were enrolled and given cabozantinib; 25 patients were assessable for a response. KIF5B-RET was the predominant fusion type identified in 16 (62%) patients. The study met its primary endpoint, with confirmed partial responses seen in seven of 25 response-assessable patients (overall response 28%, 95% CI 12-49). Of the 26 patients given cabozantinib, the most common grade 3 treatment-related adverse events were lipase elevation in four (15%) patients, increased alanine aminotransferase in two (8%) patients, increased aspartate aminotransferase in two (8%) patients, decreased platelet count in two (8%) patients, and hypophosphataemia in two (8%) patients. No drug-related deaths were recorded but 16 (62%) patients died during the course of follow-up. 19 (73%) patients required dose reductions due to drug-related adverse events. INTERPRETATION:The reported activity of cabozantinib in patients with RET-rearranged lung cancers defines RET rearrangements as actionable drivers in patients with lung cancers. An improved understanding of tumour biology and novel therapeutic approaches will be needed to improve outcomes with RET-directed targeted treatment. FUNDING:Exelixis, National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA008748.