Current Clinical Trials With STI571

STI571 (Gleevec) is a member of the 2-phenylaminopyrimidine family of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding site inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase. It potently inhibits the tyrosine kinase activity of Abl and Bcr-Abl,[1-3] platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGF-R), and Kit (stem cell factor receptor).[4-6]

Clinical Trials Referral Resource is designed to serve as a ready reference for oncologists to help identify clinical trials that might be suitable for their patients. We hope it will also enhance accrual to clinical trials by informing practicing oncologists of ongoing protocols. Currently in the United States less than 10% of eligible adult patients are entered into clinical trials. The result is a delay in answering important therapeutic and scientific questions and disseminating therapeutic advances to the general oncology community.

It should be emphasized that including a specific trial does not imply that it is more important than another trial. Among the criteria for selection are that the trial is addressing an important question and is not expected to close in the immediate future (less than 1 year), and that initial staging or laboratory tests required for patient eligibility are widely practiced and available. Information on other protocols can be accessed via Physician’s Data Query (PDQ).*

We emphasize that this is an attempt to encourage referral of patients to these trials. We are specifically not soliciting additional members for the cooperative groups, nor are we suggesting how practicing oncologists should be treating patients who are not in a study.

This month’s installment of Clinical Trials Referral Resource is devoted to trials with STI571. Specific details about active trials, including patient entry information, may be obtained by clicking on the link to the PDQ database provided in the trial description.

* PDQ is a comprehensive database service provided by the National Cancer Institute’s International Cancer Information Center and Office of Cancer Communications for retrieval of cancer treatment information, including peer-reviewed statements on treatment options, supportive care, screening, and prevention; and an international clinical trials registry. For more information on PDQ, Internet access is available at http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/pdqfull.html, or contact the Cancer Information Service offices (1-800-4-CANCER).

The molecular abnormality in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is considered to be caused by Bcr-Abl. CML is characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), which is formed by a translocation between a portion of chromosome 22 and chromosome 9. The fusion of the Abl gene from chromosome 9 with the Bcr gene from chromosome 22 creates the Bcr-Abl fusion gene on chromosome 9.[7] Because STI571 potently inhibits Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase, and selectively kills Bcr-Abl-expressing tumor cells,[8,9] it was chosen as a lead compound for clinical development in CML. Its demonstrated efficacy in patients with Bcr-Abl-positive leukemia in the initial clinical trial was a successful culmination of rationally designed molecularly targeted therapy.[10,11] Because STI571 also potently inhibits PDGF-R and Kit tyrosine kinases [4-6,12], the agent is being evaluated in tumors that abnormally express these regulatory proteins.

When STI571 is combined with other antileukemia agents, including interferon, daunorubicin (Cerubidine), doxorubicin, etoposide, 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide, vincristine, and cytarabine, the combination produces synergistic cytotoxicity in Bcr-Abl-expressing cells in vitro.[13,14] In contrast, the combination of STI571 and methotrexate appears to be antagonistic.[14] Interaction with hydroxyurea is uncertain since both additive[14] and antagonistic cytotoxicity have been reported.[13] The safety and efficacy of STI571 administered in combination with other chemotherapy agents is unknown and requires evaluation in adequately designed clinical trials.

STI571 inhibits the growth of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo, probably by disrupting the PDGF-R/PDGF autocrine loop, but without inducing apoptosis.[6] Similarly, in vitro treatment with STI571 inhibits the proliferation of Kit-expressing small-cell lung cancer cells without inducing apoptosis.[12,15] Thus, in contrast to the apoptosis induced by STI1571 in Bcr-Abl leukemia cells, the in vitro activity of this agent in PDGF-R-expressing glioma cells and Kit-expressing small-cell lung cancer cells appears to be cytostatic in nature.

The first phase I clinical study of STI571 was initiated in 1998 in patients with chronic phase CML after interferon-alpha failure. Sequential cohorts of patients received oral daily doses ranging from 25 to 1,000 mg/d. Nearly all patients with chronic phase CML who received at least 300 mg daily achieved a complete hematologic response. [10] Major cytogenetic responses (0% to 35% Philadelphia chromosome [Ph]-positive metaphase) occurred in 31% of these patients; 13% were complete cytogenetic responses.

STI571 also has substantial single-agent activity in patients with blast crisis CML and Ph-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).[11] In contrast to chronic phase CML, most of these responses are short lived.[11] Although the dose-limiting toxicity was not identified, 400 mg daily was recommended for patients with chronic CML, and 600 mg daily for CML blast crisis. Preliminary results of phase II trials confirmed the phase I experience.[16,17] On May 11, 2001, the Food and Drug Administration approved STI571 as an oral therapy for the treatment of patients with CML in blast crisis (accelerated phase) or chronic phase after failure of interferon-alpha therapy.

Treatment with STI571 is generally well tolerated. The most common toxicities include mild nausea, muscle cramps, arthralgia, rash and edema.[10, 11] Reversible hepatic transaminase elevations may also occur, particularly at higher dose levels.

Because of the very high rate of response in patients with interferon-alpha-refractory CML, the role of STI571 in the frontline treatment of this disease is being evaluated. A multicenter phase III trial of STI571 vs interferon-alpha plus low-dose cytarabine in patients with previously untreated CML has been initiated but results are not yet available. To improve on the results in patients with blast crises and Ph-positive ALL, studies are currently evaluating the combination of STI571 with other standard chemotherapy agents.

STI571 has recently been shown to be highly efficacious in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)-a relatively rare gastrointestinal neoplasm derived from mesenchymal cells that express Kit (in most cases as a result of activating mutations of the c-kit oncogene).[18,19-21] In a randomized phase II trial of STI571 administered at 400 or 600 mg/d, objective responses were observed in 59% of patients with unresectable or metastatic GIST.[19] The activity of STI571 in GIST is exceptionally good, given that this tumor is generally unresponsive to standard chemotherapy (response rate < 5%). Based on these very promising results, National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (NCI-DCTD) is sponsoring a phase III intergroup trial of STI571 comparing the safety and efficacy of treatment with 400 vs 800 mg daily.

In summary, STI571 is a potent inhibitor of Bcr-Abl, PDGF-R, and Kit tyrosine. Treatment with this agent results in high response rates among patients with CML. STI571 also has demonstrated remarkable activity in GIST, a c-kit expressing tumor. In collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals, NCI-DCTD is sponsoring the clinical development of STI571 in CML, GIST, and a variety of other selected tumor types.

Phase III

Title: Phase III Randomized Study of Two Different Doses of STI571 in Patients With CD117 Expressing Metastatic or Unresectable Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Protocol Number: CLB-80004, INT-S0033
Participating Institutions: Southwest Oncology Group, American College of Surgeons Oncology Trials Group, Cancer and Leukemia Group B, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, National Cancer Institute of Canada, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
Protocol Status: Active
Contact: George D. Demetri, MD, Cancer and Leukemia Group B, (617) 632-3985; for a complete listing of study contacts, click hereLatest Information:http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/

Phase II

Title: A Phase II Study to Determine the Anti-Leukemic Effects of STI571 in Combination with Ara-C in Patients with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Chronic Phase
Protocol Number: 4653
Participating Institutions: Oregon Health Sciences University, University of California at Los Angeles
Protocol Status: In Review
Contact: Brian J. Druker, MD, (503) 494-5596

Title: A Phase II Study of Adjuvant STI571 Therapy in Patients Following Completely Resected High-Risk Primary Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
Protocol Number: ACOSOG-Z9000
Participating Institution: American College of Surgeons Oncology Trials Group
Protocol Status: In review
Contact: Ronald P. DeMatteo, MD, (212) 639-5726

Phase I/II

Title: Phase I/II Study of STI571 and High-Dose Cytarabine in Patients With Blastic Phase Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Protocol Number: UCLA-0011009, NCI-1870, UCLA-NCI-1870
Participating Institutions: University of California at Los Angeles, City of Hope Medical Center, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, Johns Hopkins Hospital
Protocol Status: Active
Contact: Ronald L. Paquette, MD, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, (310) 825-5608
Latest Information:http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/

Title: Phase I/II Study of STI571 and Interferon alfa in Patients With Newly Diagnosed, Interferon-Refractory, or Resistant Chronic Phase Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Protocol Number: OHSU-6263, NCI-2794
Participating Institutions: Oregon Health Sciences University, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles
Protocol Status: Active
Contact: Brian J. Druker, MD, Oregon Cancer Center at Oregon Health Sciences University, (503) 494-5596
Latest Information:http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/

Title: Phase I/II Study of STI571 Combined With Daunorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone in Patients With Blastic Phase Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia or Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Protocol Number: UCLA-0011010, NCI-4292, UCLA-NCI-4292
Participating Institutions: University of California at Los Angeles, City of Hope Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Oregon Health Sciences University
Protocol Status: Active
Contact: Ronald L. Paquette, MD, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, (310) 825-5608
Latest Information:http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/

Title: Phase I/II Study of STI571 in Patients With Recurrent Malignant Glioma or Meningioma
Protocol Number: NABTC-9908, UCLA-0101024
Participating Institutions: North American Brain Tumor Consortium, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, National Institute of Health Clinical Center, University of California at Los Angeles, University of California at San Francisco, University of Michigan Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, University of Wisconsin
Protocol Status: Active
Contact: Patrick Y. Wen, MD, North American Brain Tumor Consortium, (617) 732-6081
Latest Information:http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/

Title: Phase I/II Study of STI571 With or Without Radiotherapy in Children With Newly Diagnosed Poor Prognosis Brainstem Glioma or Recurrent High-Grade Intracranial Glioma
Protocol Number: PBTC-006
Participating Institutions: Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, Baylor University Medical Center, Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Children’s National Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Dana Farber Cancer Center, Duke University Medical Center, Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, University of California at San Francisco, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Children’s National Medical Center
Protocol Status: Approved
Contact: Ian F. Pollack, MD, Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, (412) 692-6177
Latest Information:http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/

Phase I

Title: A Phase I Pharmacokinetic Study of STI571 in Patients with Advanced Malignancies and Varying Levels of Liver Dysfunction
Protocol Number: 5331
Participating Institutions: University of Pittsburgh, Case Western University, University of California at San Francisco, University of Wisconsin, City of Hope Medical Center, Wayne State University, National Cancer Institute-National Naval Medical Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Protocol Status: In review
Contact: Ramesh K. Ramanathan, MD, (412) 648-6507

Title: A Phase I Pharmacokinetic Study of STI571 in Patients with Advanced Malignancies and Varying Degrees of Renal Dysfunction for the CTEP-Sponsored Organ Dysfunction Working Group
Protocol Number: 5340
Participating Institutions: Case Western Reserve University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Wisconsin, City of Hope Medical Center, Wayne State University, National Cancer Institute-National Naval Medical Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Protocol Status: In review
Contact: Scot C. Remick, MD, (216) 844-1210

Pilot

Title: A Children’s Oncology Group Pilot Study for the Treatment of Very High-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children and Adolescents
Protocol Number: AALL0031
Participating Institution: Children’s Oncology Group
Protocol Status: In review
Contact: Kirk R. Schultz, MD, (604) 875-2316

References:

1. Druker BJ, Lydon NB: Lessons learned from the development of an abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor for chronic myelogenous leukemia. J Clin Invest 105(1):3-7, 2000.

2. Buchdunger E, Cioffi CL, Law N, et al: Abl protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor STI571 inhibits in vitro signal transduction mediated by c-kit and platelet-derived growth factor receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 295(1):139-145, 2000.

3. Schindler T, Bornmann W, Pellicena P, et al: Structural mechanism for STI-571inhibition of abelson tyrosine kinase. Science 289(5486):1938-1942, 2000.

4. Buchdunger E, Stiles C, Druker B: STI571: Targeting protein-tyrosine kinases in a mechanism-based approach to the development of new cancer therapies (abstract). Proc AACR, 2000.

5. Heinrich MC, Griffith DJ, Druker BJ, et al: Inhibition of c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase activity by STI571, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Blood 96(3):925-32, 2000.

6. Kilic T, Alberta JA, Zdunek PR, et al: Intracranial inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor-mediated glioblastoma cell growth by an orally active kinase inhibitor of the 2-phenylaminopyrimidine class. Cancer Res 60(18):5143-5150, 2000.

7. Sawyers CL, Druker B: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia. Cancer J Sci Am 5(2):63-69, 1999.

8. Beran M, Cao X, Estrov Z, et al: Selective inhibition of cell proliferation and BCR-ABL phosphorylation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells expressing Mr 190,000 BCR-ABL protein by a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (CGP-57148). Clin Cancer Res 4(7):1661-1672, 1998.

9. le Coutre P, Mologni L, Cleris L, et al: In vivo eradication of human BCR/ABL-positive leukemia cells with an ABL kinase inhibitor [see comments]. J Natl Cancer Inst 91(2):163-168, 1999.

10. Druker BJ, Talpaz M, Resta DJ, et al: Efficacy and safety of a specific inhibitor of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase in chronic myeloid leukemia. N Engl J Med 344(14):1031-1037, 2001.

11. Druker BJ, Sawyers CL, Kantarjian H, et al: Activity of a specific inhibitor of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase in the blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia with the Philadelphia chromosome. N Engl J Med 344(14):1038-1042, 2001.

12. Krystal GW, Honsawek S, Litz J, et al:The selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor STI571 inhibits small-cell lung cancer growth (abstract). Proc AACR, 2000.

13. Thiesing JT, Ohno-Jones S, Kolibaba KS, et al: Efficacy of STI571, an abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in conjunction with other antileukemic agents against bcr-abl-positive cells. Blood 96(9):3195-3199, 2000.

14. Kano Y, Akutsu M, Tsunoda S, et al: In vitro cytotoxic effects of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor STI571 in combination with commonly used antileukemic agents. Blood 97(7):1999-2007, 2001.

15. Wang W, Healy ME, Sattler M, et al: The tyrosine kinase inhibitor STI571 reduces cell growth of small cell lung cancer cell lines (abstract). Proc AACR, 2000.

16. Talpaz M, Silver RT, Druker B, et al: A phase II study of STI571 in adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia in accelerated phase. Blood 96(suppl 1):469a, 2000.

17. Kantarjian H, Sawyers C, Hochhaus A, et al: Phase II study of STI571, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients (pts) with resistant or refractory Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+CML). Blood 96(suppl 1):470a, 2000.

18. Joensuu H, Roberts PJ, Sarlomo-Rikala M, et al: Effect of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor STI571 in a patient with a metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor. N Engl J Med 344(14):1052-1056, 2001.

19. Blanke CD, von Mehren M, Joensuu H, et al: Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of an oral molecularly-targeted therapy, STI571, in patients (Pts) with unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTS) expressing C-KIT (CD117) (abstract). Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol 20:1a, 2001.

20. Van Oosterom AT, Judson I, Verweij J, et al: STI 571, anactive drug in metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), an EORTC phase I study (abstract). Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol 20:1a, 2001.

21. Lux ML, Rubin BP, Biase TL, et al: KIT extracellular and kinase domain mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Am J Pathol 156(3):791-795, 2000.