Results of a First in Human, Dose Ascending, Phase I Study Examining the Safety and Tolerability of KA2237, an Oral PI3K p110β/δ Inhibitor in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) B-Cell Lymphoma

• Published in: Blood 2019-11, Vol.134 (Supplement_1), p.4099-4099
• Main Authors: Nastoupil, Loretta J., Neelapu, Sattva S, Davis, Eric, Samaniego, Felipe, Fowler, Nathan H, Westin, Jason R., Lee, Hun Ju, Wang, Michael, Hagemeister, Fredrick B., Beer, Philip, Cecil, Alexander R.L., Dow, James, McHale, Duncan, Silva, Franck, Ward, Penny, Yavari, Arash, Shuttleworth, Stephen Joseph
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0006-4971; 1528-0020
• DOI: 10.1182/blood-2019-130401

Introduction: Despite therapeutic advances, there remains a considerable need for novel therapies for B-cell lymphomas. Although a high proportion of patients (pts) show response to initial therapy, many fail to achieve durable remissions and experience recurrent disease. Agents that target molecular pathways associated with the development and progression of lymphoma are likely to be highly effective and are desirable. The p110δ isoform of the PI3K enzyme is mainly expressed in lymphocytes and has been an attractive therapeutic target, with several PI3Kδ inhibitors demonstrating meaningful efficacy in B-cell lymphomas. Targeting the p110β isoform may further overcome tumor growth and escape mechanisms by mitigating the upregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, particularly in PTEN-deficient lymphomas. KA2237 is an oral, potent and selective inhibitor of the PI3K β and δ isoforms. The aim of this first in human, phase I, open-label, single arm study (NCT02679196) was to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic properties and pharmacodynamic effects of KA2237, in order to determine the maximum tolerated dose based on dose limiting toxicity and assess preliminary anti-tumor activity in pts with R/R B-cell lymphoma. Methods: Pts ≥ 18 years (yrs) of age, ECOG ≤ 2, with B-cell lymphoma R/R or intolerant of established therapies (including rituximab) were enrolled using a 3+3 dose escalation (50-400mg) design. KA2237 was given orally on a once daily continuous schedule until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Anti-tumor activity was evaluated by computed tomography and, when available, integrating 18F-FDG positron emission tomography response assessment, at 8, 16 and 24 weeks. Response was assessed according to Lugano 2014 criteria. Pts received PJP prophylaxis. Results: 21 pts with B-cell lymphoma were enrolled (8 DLBCL [diffuse large B-cell], 5 FL [follicular], 3 MCL [mantle cell], 3 CLL/SLL [chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma], 1 MZL [marginal zone], 1 WM [Waldenstrom]). Pts received KA2237 at 4 dose levels: 50mg (n=6), 100mg (n=3), 200mg (n=7) and 400mg (n=5) daily; 21 pts were evaluable for safety assessment. Pharmacokinetic profiles were favorable with mean plasma half-life of 17-33 hours, compatible with once daily oral dosing. Median age was 69 yrs (range 48-84) with 76% males; median number of prior therapies was 3 (range 1-6). Median follow up duration was 8.5 months (range 6.9-24.6). Median duration of drug exposure wa