Phase I dose-escalation study of procaspase-activating compound-1 in combination with temozolomide in patients with recurrent high-grade astrocytomas

BACKGROUND: Procaspase-3 (PC-3) is overexpressed in various tumor types, including gliomas. Targeted PC-3 activation combined with chemotherapy is a novel strategy for treating patients with high-grade gliomas, with promising preclinical activity. This study aimed to define safety and tolerability of procaspase-activating compound-1 (PAC-1) in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) for patients with recurrent high-grade astrocytomas. METHODS: A modified-Fibonacci dose-escalation 3 + 3 design was used. PAC-1 was administered at increasing dose levels (DL; DL1 = 375 mg) on days 1–21, in combination with TMZ 150 mg/m(2)/5 days, per 28-day cycle. Dose-limiting toxicity was assessed during the first 2 cycles. Neurocognitive function (NCF) testing was conducted throughout the study. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were enrolled (13 GBM, IDH-wild type; 2 astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, grade 3; 3 astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, grade 4). Dose escalation was discontinued after DL3 (ie, PAC-1, 625 mg) due to lack of additional funding. Grade 3 toxicity was observed in 1 patient at DL1 (elevated liver transaminases) and 1 at DL 2 (headache). Two partial responses were observed at DL1 in patients with GBM, O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylated. Two patients had stable disease, and 11 experienced progression. NCF testing did not show a clear relationship between PAC-1 dose, treatment duration, and declines in NCF. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of PAC-1 and TMZ was well tolerated up to 625 mg orally daily and TMZ orally 150 mg/m(2)/5 days per 28-day cycle. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Further dose escalation of PAC-1 in combination with TMZ is advised before conducting a formal prospective efficacy study in this patient population.