Phase I trial of GBS‐01 for advanced pancreatic cancer refractory to gemcitabine

GBS‐01, an extract from the fruit of Arctium lappa L. is an orally administered drug rich in arctigenin, which has been reported to exert antitumor activity by attenuating the tolerance of cancer cells to glucose deprivation. We investigated the maximum tolerated dose of GBS‐01 based on the frequency of the dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) and pharmacokinetics in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer refractory to gemcitabine. GBS‐01 was given orally at escalating doses from 3.0 g (containing 1.0 g burdock fruit extract) to 12.0 g q.d. A DLT was defined as a grade 4 hematological toxicity and grade 3 or 4 non‐hematological toxicity appearing during the first 28 days of treatment. Fifteen patients (GBS‐01 dose level 1 [3.0 g], three patients; dose level 2 [7.5 g], three patients; and dose level 3 [12.0 g], nine patients) were enrolled. None of the patients at any of the three dose levels showed any sign of DLTs. The main adverse events were increased serum γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, hyperglycemia, and increased serum total bilirubin; however, all the toxicities were mild. Of the 15 patients, 1 showed confirmed partial response and 4 patients had stable disease. The median progression‐free and overall survival of the patients were 1.1 and 5.7 months, respectively. The pharmacokinetic study revealed a high bioavailability of arctigenin and rapid conjugation of the drug with glucuronic acid. The recommended dose of GBS‐01 was 12.0 g q.d, and favorable clinical responses were obtained. This trial was registered at UMIN‐CTR (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm), identification number UMIN000005787.