A phase 1 study of eribulin mesylate (E7389), a novel microtubule-targeting chemotherapeutic agent, in children with refractory or recurrent solid tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Phase 1 Consortium study (ADVL1314)

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2018 Aug;65(8):e27066. doi: 10.1002/pbc.27066. Epub 2018 May 2.

Abstract

Background: Eribulin mesylate is a novel anticancer agent that inhibits microtubule growth, without effects on shortening, and promotes nonproductive tubulin aggregate formation. We performed a phase 1 trial to determine the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), maximum tolerated or recommended phase 2 dose (MTD/RP2D), and pharmacokinetics (PK) of eribulin in children with refractory or recurrent solid (excluding central nervous system) tumors.

Methods: Eribulin was administered intravenously on days 1 and 8 in 21-day cycles. Three dose levels (1.1, 1.4, and 1.8 mg/m2 /dose) were evaluated using the rolling six design with additional patients enrolled into a PK expansion cohort at the MTD. PK samples were obtained following the day 1, cycle 1 dose.

Results: Twenty-three patients, ages 3-17 (median 14) years were enrolled; 20 were evaluable for toxicity. DLTs occurred in 0/6 and 1/6 subjects at the 1.1 and 1.4 mg/m2 /dose, respectively. One subject at the 1.4 mg/m2 /dose had grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3 fatigue. At the 1.8 mg/m2 /dose, 2/5 subjects experienced dose-limiting (grade 4) neutropenia. Grade 3/4 non-DLTs included lymphopenia and hypokalemia, while low-grade toxicities included anorexia and nausea. No episodes of grade > 2 corrected QT interval prolongation or peripheral neuropathy were reported. Eribulin pharmacokinetic parameters were highly variable; the median elimination half-life was 39.6 (range 24.2-96.4) hr. A partial response was observed in one patient (Ewing sarcoma).

Conclusions: Eribulin was well tolerated in children with refractory or recurrent solid tumors with neutropenia identified as the primary DLT. The RP2D of eribulin is 1.4 mg/m2 /dose on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.

Keywords: Phase 1; children; eribulin; pharmacokinetics.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase I

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / drug effects
  • Female
  • Furans / administration & dosage*
  • Furans / adverse effects*
  • Furans / pharmacokinetics
  • Humans
  • Ketones / administration & dosage*
  • Ketones / adverse effects*
  • Ketones / pharmacokinetics
  • Male
  • Maximum Tolerated Dose
  • Microtubules / drug effects
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Furans
  • Ketones
  • eribulin