A Phase I Study of ASTX660, an Antagonist of Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins, in Adults with Advanced Cancers or Lymphoma

Clin Cancer Res. 2020 Jun 15;26(12):2819-2826. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-19-1430. Epub 2020 Jan 3.

Abstract

Purpose: This first-in-human, phase I study evaluated ASTX660, an oral, small-molecule antagonist of cellular/X-linked inhibitors of apoptosis proteins in patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma.

Patients and methods: ASTX660 was administered orally once daily on a 7-day-on/7-day-off schedule in a 28-day cycle. Dose escalation followed a standard 3+3 design to determine the MTD and recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Dose expansion was conducted at the RP2D.

Results: Forty-five patients received ASTX660 (range 15-270 mg/day). Dose-limiting toxicity of grade 3 increased lipase with or without increased amylase occurred in 3 patients at 270 mg/day and 1 patient at 210 mg/day. The MTD was determined to be 210 mg/day and the RP2D 180 mg/day. Common treatment-related adverse events included fatigue (33%), vomiting (31%), and nausea (27%). Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 7 patients, most commonly anemia (13%), increased lipase (11%), and lymphopenia (9%). ASTX660 was rapidly absorbed, with maximum concentration achieved at approximately 0.5-1.0 hour. An approximately 2-fold accumulation in AUC exposures was observed on day 7 versus 1. ASTX660 suppressed cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which was maintained into the second cycle beyond the off-therapy week at the 180-mg/day RP2D and above. Clinical activity was seen in a patient with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Conclusions: ASTX660 demonstrated a manageable safety profile and exhibited evidence of pharmacodynamic and preliminary clinical activity at the 180-mg/day RP2D. The phase II part of the study is ongoing.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase I
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma / pathology
  • Male
  • Maximum Tolerated Dose
  • Middle Aged
  • Morpholines / therapeutic use*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Prognosis
  • Pyrroles / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Morpholines
  • Piperazines
  • Pyrroles
  • ASTX-660