We evaluated the efficacy and safety of patient-specific immunotherapy with mitumprotimut-T idiotype keyhole limpet hemocyanin and granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) following rituximab in patients with follicular B-cell lymphoma. Patients with previously untreated or relapsed/refractory CD20+ follicular lymphoma received 4 weekly infusions of rituximab and those with a complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or stable disease received mitumprotimut-T and GM-CSF injections subcutaneously. Courses were given monthly for 6 doses, every 2 months for 6 doses, and then every 3 months until disease progression. Computed tomography scans were obtained every 3 to 6 months and reviewed centrally. The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS). Among 103 patients treated with rituximab, 92 (54 relapsed/refractory and 38 previously untreated) received mitumprotimut-T/GM-CSF; median age was 53 years, 91% had stage III to IV disease, and 59% had failed earlier therapy. The premitumprotimut-T objective response rate was 47% (2 CRs, 41 PRs). During the mitumprotimut-T treatment phase, 16 patients converted to CR resulting in an overall objective response rate of 60% (18 CRs, 37 PRs). Median EFS was 15.2, 20.8, and 13.5 months for all, treatment-naive, and relapsed/refractory disease patients, respectively. Anti-Id cellular immune responses were detected in 13 of 18 (72%) patients and humoral immune responses in 17 of 83 (20%) patients. Adverse events were usually mild-to-moderate. The most common adverse event was injection site reactions. Mitumprotimut-T/GM-CSF-induced anti-Id cellular immune responses in most patients. The occurrence of late CRs and favorable EFS suggested a clinical benefit of active immunotherapy and led to a placebo-controlled phase 3 trial.

PURPOSE To evaluate patient-specific immunotherapy with mitumprotimut-T (idiotype keyhole limpet hemocyanin [Id-KLH]) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in CD20(+) follicular lymphoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with treatment-naive or relapsed/refractory disease achieving a complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD) with four weekly rituximab infusions were randomly assigned to mitumprotimut-T/GM-CSF or placebo/GM-CSF, with doses given monthly for six doses, every 2 months for six doses, and then every 3 months until disease progression (PD). Randomization was stratified by prior therapy (treatment-naive or relapsed/refractory) and response to rituximab (CR/PR or SD). The primary end point was time to progression (TTP) from randomization. RESULTS A total of 349 patients were randomly assigned; median age was 54 years, 79% were treatment naive, and 86% had stage III/IV disease. Median TTP was 9.0 months for mitumprotimut-T/GM-CSF and 12.6 months for placebo/GM-CSF (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.384; P = .019). TTP was comparable between the two arms in treatment-naive patients (HR = 1.196; P = .258) and shorter with mitumprotimut-T/GM-CSF in relapsed/refractory disease (HR = 2.265; P = .004). After adjusting for Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) scores, the difference in TTP between the two arms was no longer significant. Overall objective response rate, rate of response improvement, and duration of response were comparable between the two arms. Toxicity was similar in the two arms; 76% of adverse events were mild or moderate, and 94% of patients had injection site reactions. CONCLUSION TTP was shorter with mitumprotimut-T/GM-CSF compared with placebo/GM-CSF. This difference was possibly due to the imbalance in FLIPI scores.

Background : Early studies demonstrated that patients with indolent B-cell lymphomas have the capacity to mount anti-idiotype (Id) B-cell immune responses following active immunization with patient-specific Id proteins. Durable clinical remissions were observed in patients undergoing vaccination in chemotherapy-induced first remissions. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of active immunotherapy with mitumprotimut-T (Id- KLH, SPECIFID™, Favrille, San Diego, CA) and GM-CSF (sargramostim, LEUKINE®) in patients with CD20+ follicular lymphoma. Mitumprotimut-T is a patient-specific therapeutic vaccine composed of the Id protein produced by proprietary recombinant technology from the malignant lymphoma biopsy specimen and conjugated to KLH, a potent immunogenic protein. Patients and Methods : Patients with treatment-naive (T-N) or relapsed/refractory (R/R) WHO Grade 1–3 CD20+ follicular lymphoma received rituximab infusions at 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks, and those achieving a complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD) at Week 11 were randomized to mitumprotimut-T (1 mg subcutaneously on Day 1) and GM-CSF (250 mcg subcutaneously daily on Days 1–4) or placebo and GM-CSF. Randomization was stratified by prior therapy (T-N vs. R/R) and response to rituximab (CR/PR vs. SD). Patients were immunized monthly × 6, every other month × 6, and then every 3 months until disease progression (PD). The primary efficacy endpoint was time-to-progression (TTP), which was assessed by an independent central radiology review. Results : 349 patients were randomized; their median age was 54 years (range, 21–86 years), 79% were T-N, 85% had an ECOG performance status of 0, and 86% had Stage III-IV disease. Thirty-four randomized patients (10%) did not receive blinded study drug: 28 because mitumprotimut-T could not be produced, 5 due to PD prior to start of blinded study drug, and 1 who withdrew for personal reasons. The mean number of courses was 10.6 (range, 1–21), and was comparable in the 2 groups. After a median follow-up of 40 months, 215 patients (62%) had progressed, 113 who were randomized to mitumprotimut-T and 102 who had received placebo. Median TTP from randomization was 9.0 months for patients randomized to mitumprotimut-T/GM-CSF and 12.6 months for placebo/GM-CSF (hazard ratio = 1.384, p = 0.019). Significantly more patients with high-risk FLIPI and fewer patients with low-risk FLIPI were unexpectedly randomized to mitumprotimut-T (p = 0.0042). After adjusting for FLIPI risk group in a Cox regression model, there was no significant difference in TTP between the two arms in the intent-to-treat population (p = 0.128), in patients with high risk FLIPI (p = 0.891), in patients with intermediate/low risk FLIPI (p = 0.143), in the 315 patients treated with blinded study drug, or in any of the patient subsets based on stratification factors. Comparisons of TTP between the two treatment arms using the investigators assessment of response were consistent with those obtained from central radiology review. There were no significant differences between the two treatment arms in objective responses (CR+PR) to rituximab at Week 11 (57.6%, combined data from both arms) or in objective responses any time on study (64.7%, combined data). Treatment was usually well tolerated, with 76% of adverse events graded as mild or moderate. The most common side effect was local injection site reaction, reported in 94% of patients. Conclusion : This Phase 3 trial showed no improvement in TTP with mitumprotimut-T and GM-CSF following rituximab in CD20+ follicular lymphoma.

Background: We report here PFS with a 4-year follow-up of previously reported results from a Ph 2 trial in which both treatment-naïve (TN) and relapsed/refractory (R/R) pts with FL with stable disease (SD) or a clinical response (PR or CR/CRu) following 4 weekly doses of rituximab received mitumprotimut-T active immunotherapy (Koc et al, Blood , 2006; 108: #691).

Background: FavId is a personalized immunotherapy comprised of a recombinantly produced idiotype protein (Id) present on a pt's lymphoma chemically conjugated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). A single arm PhII study (Koc et al. Blood 2005, 106:11abstr #772) showed that FavId may improve the clinical response and TTP in both treatment naïve (TN) and relapsed/refractory (R/R) fNHL pts previously treated with rituximab. The results of that study formed the basis for this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled PhIII trial of FavId following rituximab (wkly x 4) in TN and R/R pts with fNHL. Randomization was stratified according to prior treatment status (TN vs. R/R) and rituximab response (stable disease (SD) vs. partial response/complete response (PR/CR)). Enrollment to this trial has been completed and follow-up evaluations are ongoing. This report describes clinical responses to rituximab at wk 11, prior to randomization to FavId or placebo.

PURPOSE:To evaluate idiotype (Id) vaccination as a single agent in previously treated patients with indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Patients underwent biopsy for determination of their lymphoma-specific Id sequence. Recombinant Id protein was manufactured and covalently linked with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) to generate Id/KLH. Patients received Id/KLH 1 mg on day 1 subcutaneously, with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor 250 mug on days 1 to 4, monthly for 6 months. Booster injections were administered until progression. Both clinical and immune responses were evaluated.RESULTS:Thirty-two previously treated patients received at least one injection of Id/KLH, and 31 were assessed for efficacy. Responses were observed in four patients (one complete response and three partial responses). Median time to onset of response was 5.9 months (range, 2.3 to 14.1 months). Median duration of response has not been reached but should be at least 19.4 months (range, 10.4 to 27.2+ months). Median time to progression is 13.5 months. The most common adverse events were mild to moderate injection site reactions. Six (67%) of nine patients tested demonstrated a cellular immune response, and four (20%) of 20 patients demonstrated an antibody response against their Id.CONCLUSION:This trial demonstrates that Id/KLH alone can induce tumor regression and durable objective responses. Further study of Id/KLH is recommended in other settings where efficacy may be further enhanced as in first-line therapy or after cytoreductive therapy.

Background: PTLDs are typically B-cell neoplasms occurring as uncommon but serious complications of reduced T-cell immune surveillance associated with organ transplantation. RIS benefits only a subset of PTLD patients and cytotoxic therapy may be poorly tolerated. Therefore, in October 1998 we initiated a prospective study of rituximab in patients who failed or were unable to receive RIS and now report mature results.

Background: Studies of Id/KLH immunotherapy in treatment naïve (TN) fNHL pts following first remission from chemotherapy have demonstrated a prolonged duration of remission. We expanded this approach in a PhII trial to include TN and relapsed/refractory (R/R) pts with stable disease (SD) or PR or CR/CRu following 4 wkly doses of rituximab. We report here long term follow up of RRI, defined as the % of pts who converted from SD to PR or PR to CR/CRu following initiation of Id/KLH treatment, and analysis of disease progression.

This was a dose escalation Phase 1 trial designed todetermine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limitingtoxicities (DLT) of DENSPM. Methods: Adult patientswith refractory solid tumors were treated with DENSPMadministered by intravenous infusion in 100 ml of normalsaline over 30 minutes. The daily dose of DENSPM was dividedinto three equal doses administered approximately every eighthours for six days. Courses were repeated every 28 days.Results: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled in thestudy. Dose levels of DENSPM explored were 25mg/m2/day (3 patients), 50 mg/m2/day (9patients), 60 mg/m2/day (5 patients), 75mg/m2/day (6 patients), 94 mg/m2/day (3patients) and 118 mg/m2/day (2 patients). The DLTfor DENSPM was central nervous system toxicity characterizedby aphasia, ataxia, dizziness, vertigo and slurred speechoccurring at dose levels ≥ 94 mg/m2/day, whichwas also the MTD. Safety: The most frequent drug-relatedadverse events were asthenia (9 patients), injection sitereaction (6 patients) and anemia (6 patients). One patient wasremoved from the study due to CNS toxicity. There were notreatment-related deaths. No trends were observed regardinghematologic toxicities, biochemical changes or changes invital signs. Efficacy: Nineteen of the 28 patients enrolled inthe study were assessed for response. No objective responseswere observed. Five patients had stable disease as the bestresponse to therapy. Conclusions: Because the DLT wasCNS and because of the relatively low doses that could besafely administered on this schedule as compared with aonce-a-day schedule, this regimen was not recommended forPhase 2.

Journal Article Pharmaceutical industry careers in clinical research Get access Ira Cohen, Pharm.D., Ira Cohen, Pharm.D. Clinical Scientist Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar John Bender, Pharm.D., John Bender, Pharm.D. Associate Director Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Don Cilla, Pharm.D., Don Cilla, Pharm.D. Senior Assistant Clinical Scientist Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Michelle Texter, B.S., Michelle Texter, B.S. Senior Assistant Clinical Scientist Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Lisa McCormick, Pharm.D. Lisa McCormick, Pharm.D. Assistant Clinical Scientist Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, Volume 47, Issue 11, 1 November 1990, Pages 2446–2448, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/47.11.2446 Published: 01 November 1990

Diaziquone (AZQ) is a lipophilic alkylating agent which crosses the blood-brain barrier and has marked antitumor activity in a broad spectrum of murine tumor systems. Myelosuppression has been the dose-limiting toxicity in phase I trials. In this study 36 patients with head and neck cancer received diaziquone. Thirty-one of these patients (28 male, 3 female) were evaluable for efficacy. The initial starting dose was 7 mg/m2/dayx5 days i. v. repeated every 28 days. Because of the severe myelosuppression encountered in the first four patients, the starting dose was decreased by 20% to 5.5 mg/m2/dayx5 days repeated every 28 days. The majority of patients were considered to be good-risk patients as evidenced by performance status (80% 0–1 Zubrod) and prior therapy. Even with this dosage reduction, myelosuppression (especially thrombocytopenia) was again the dose-limiting toxicity with 25% of patients experiencing granulocyte and platelet nadirs below 1000/mm3 and 50000/mm3 respectively. Thirty-five percent of patients required a subsequent dosage reduction of 20% prior to receiving a second course of therapy. There was one complete (CR), four patial (PR) and three minor (MR) responses. All but the CR were of relatively short duration (mean of 30 days). The patient with a CR has remained disease-free for nearly 3 years. In this group of patients the activity of diaziquone as a single agent at this dose and schedule (CR+PR+MR=26%; CR+PR=16%) is less than that of methotrexate, bleomycin, and cis-platinum but is encouraging. Further trials utilizing combinations are warranted.

Ametantrone is the second anthracene derivative to enter clinical trials. The pharmacokinetic parameters for ametantrone acetate (CI-881) were characterized in six patients concurrently with the phase I clinical trial. Biological samples were assayed by a specific and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography procedure. Plasma levels of ametantrone declined in a triexponential fashion, with a mean terminal half-life (t1/2gamma) of 25 h. The estimated mean total-body plasma clearance was 25.9±14.7 l h-1 m-2. The steady-state volume of distribution (Vdss) was large, averaging 568±630 l/m2. Excretion of unchanged ametantrone in the urine over 48 h averaged 5.7% of the total dose, indicating that there is another major route of elimination.

Ametantrone acetate is an intensely blue anthracenedione undergoing clinical trials in man. In this Phase I study, 20 patients received 39 courses of drug as a single IV dose given daily for five days and repeated every three weeks (21 days). Dosage escalations proceeded from 15 mg/m2 to 35 mg/m2. Predictable and reversible leukopenia was the dose limiting toxicity. One previously untreated patient with renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the lungs and right arm experienced a partial response of 51 days duration. Nine patients had pharmacokinetic studies performed during the study. Ametantrone was extensively distributed (apparent volume of distribution, 26.3 1/m2) and demonstrated a short half-life (harmonic mean half-life, 0.38 hour). The maximum tolerated dose in this study was 35 mg/m2. Recommended doses for Phase II trials are 30 mg/m2 in good risk patients and 25 mg/m2 in poor risk patients. Because of the partial response seen in one patient with renal cell carcinoma, Phase II trials should include this tumor category in order to better define the activity of ametantrone in this disease. In addition, since the total amount of drug that could be given to patients receiving the five day schedule (125–150 mg/m2) was approximately the same amount that could be administered as a single dose (140 mg/m2), it would appear that the only advantage of the daily times five day dosage schedule would be in the lower incidence of bluish skin discoloration.

Diaziquone is an aziridinylbenzoquinone with properties suggestive of an alkylating agent. The drug has shown broad antitumor activity against numerous transplantable murine tumors including curative activity against several intracerebrally implanted tumors.

A randomized trial of ticarcillin plus gentamicin (group 1), ticarcillin plus amikacin (group 2) and ticarcillin plus netilmicin (group 3) as empiric antibiotic therapy in patients with granulocytopenia and cancer was carried out at the Baltimore Cancer Research Center. The response rate for all infections was 97 per cent in group 1, 91 per cent in group 2 and 95 per cent in group 3. Patients with bacteremias showed improvement in 93 per cent (group 1), 78 per cent (group 2) and 82 per cent (group 3) of cases. All failures were among patients with gram-negative bacteremias. Both antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteremic organism and granulocyte recovery correlated with patient improvement. Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity were rare and were not significantly different in three groups of patients. Therefore, ticarcillin plus gentamicin, ticarcillin plus amikacin and ticarcillin plus netilmicin appear to be equally efficacious and minimally toxic in this patient population. Excellent over-all results can be expected with these combinations provided the etiologic agent is susceptible.