Phase I Study Of Th-302, An Investigational Hypoxia-Targeted Drug, And Dexamethasone In Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

8602 Background: TH-302 is an investigational 2-nitroimidazole prodrug of the DNA alkylator Br-IPM designed to be selectively activated in hypoxia. In multiple myeloma (MM) mouse models, diseased animals demonstrate a marked expansion of areas of hypoxia in the bone marrow. TH-302 exhibited anti-tumor activity against MM in vitro and in vivo and synergism was seen when combined with bortezomib (Hu et al, Blood 2010; Chesi et al, Blood 2012). Based on these findings, a phase I/II study of TH-302 plus dexamethasone (dex) was initiated for patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory MM. Methods: Eligible pts in the study (NCT01522872) had ECOG PS ≤ 2, receipt of at least two prior therapies, and acceptable hepatorenal function and hematologic status. A standard 3+3 dose escalation design was used with a fixed oral 40 mg dose of dex and 40% dose increments of TH-302. TH-302 was administered IV with dex on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of a 21-day cycle. The objectives were to determine DLTs and the MTD; assess the safety, tolerability and preliminary clinical activity of TH-302 plus dex; and study the relationship between hypoxia within the bone marrow and response to TH-302. Results: Eleven pts have been treated: 7M/4F with a median age 61 years (range: 53 – 86) and 6 prior therapies (range: 3 – 10). All received both bortezomib and lenalidomide/thalidomide containing regimens. TH-302 was dosed at 240 (n=5), 340 (n=4), and 480 (n=2) mg/m² for a median of 5 cycles. No DLTs were reported at 240 or 340 mg/m². Two pts treated at 480 mg/m² had DLTs of grade 3 mucositis, exceeding the definition of MTD. A dose expansion is thus ongoing at 340 mg/m2. Two patients had SAEs related to TH-302 (pneumonia). Five pts continue on study after a median of 7 cycles (range: 2–11). Nine pts have had efficacy evaluations: 2 pts with partial responses, 2 pts with minimal responses, and 5 pts with stable disease, for an overall response rate (of MR or better) of 44%. Conclusions: TH-302 can be administered at 340 mg/m2 biweekly + dex, with dose limiting mucositis seen at higher doses. Initial clinical activity has been noted with an ORR of 44% in heavily pretreated MM pts who are relapsed/refractory to both bortezomib and lenalidomide. Clinical trial information: NCT01522872.