Phase II study of cediranib, an oral pan-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with recurrent glioblastoma

J Clin Oncol. 2010 Jun 10;28(17):2817-23. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2009.26.3988. Epub 2010 May 10.

Abstract

Purpose: Glioblastoma is an incurable solid tumor characterized by increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We performed a phase II study of cediranib in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

Methods: Cediranib, an oral pan-VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was administered (45 mg/d) until progression or unacceptable toxicity to patients with recurrent glioblastoma. The primary end point was the proportion of patients alive and progression free at 6 months (APF6). We performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and plasma and urinary biomarker evaluations at multiple time points.

Results: Thirty-one patients with recurrent glioblastoma were accrued. APF6 after cediranib was 25.8%. Radiographic partial responses were observed by MRI in 17 (56.7%) of 30 evaluable patients using three-dimensional measurements and in eight (27%) of 30 evaluable patients using two-dimensional measurements. For the 15 patients who entered the study taking corticosteroids, the dose was reduced (n = 10) or discontinued (n = 5). Toxicities were manageable. Grade 3/4 toxicities included hypertension (four of 31; 12.9%); diarrhea (two of 31; 6.4%); and fatigue (six of 31; 19.4%). Fifteen (48.4%) of 31 patients required at least one dose reduction and 15 patients required temporary drug interruptions due to toxicity. Drug interruptions were not associated with outcome. Changes in plasma placental growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2, soluble VEGF receptor 1, stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha, and soluble Tek/Tie2 receptor and in urinary MMP-9/neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin activity after cediranib were associated with radiographic response or survival.

Conclusion: Cediranib monotherapy for recurrent glioblastoma is associated with encouraging proportions of radiographic response, 6-month progression-free survival, and a steroid-sparing effect with manageable toxicity. We identified early changes in circulating molecules as potential biomarkers of response to cediranib. The efficacy of cediranib and the predictive value of these candidate biomarkers will be explored in prospective trials.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00305656.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood
  • Brain Neoplasms / blood
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Glioblastoma / blood
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy*
  • Glioblastoma / enzymology
  • Glioblastoma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / blood
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / enzymology
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Quinazolines / adverse effects
  • Quinazolines / therapeutic use*
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Quinazolines
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
  • cediranib

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00305656