Quantitative Biomedical Imaging Laboratory

Title: Phase I Evaluation of CDP791, a PEGylated Di-Fab' Conjugate that Binds Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2
Authors: N.C. Ton, G.J. Parker, A. Jackson, S. Mullamitha, G.A. Buonaccorsi, C. Roberts, Y. Watson, K. Davies, S. Cheung, L. Hope, F. Power, J. Lawrance, J. Valle, M. Saunders, R. Felix, J.A. Soranson, L. Rolfe, K. Zinkewich-Peotti, G.C. Jayson
Journal: Clin. Cancer Res.
Link: http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/13/23/7113
Year: 2007
Volume: 13
Pages: 7113–8
Month: December
Abstract: PURPOSE: Specific blocking of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) is a novel therapeutic approach. Here, we report the first phase I clinical trial evaluation of CDP791, a PEGylated di-Fab' conjugate that binds VEGFR-2. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Cohorts of patients received CDP791 at doses between 0.3 and 30 mg/kg every 3 weeks for the initial two doses. RESULTS: The compound was well tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicity. Dose-related hypertension was observed in patients receiving CDP791 10 mg/kg or more and several patients on the higher doses developed infusion-related cutaneous hemangiomata arising 28 to 106 days after the first drug administration and resolving 3 weeks after cessation. Biopsy and histologic evaluation showed that CDP791-bound VEGFR-2 is non-phosphorylated, suggesting that the drug is biologically active. Concentrations of CDP791 considered biologically relevant were sustained for 3 weeks when doses of 10 mg/kg or more were administered. Although no reductions in vascular permeability were recorded using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), there was a significant dose level–related reduction in tumor growth. While challenging the recent dogma that active VEGF inhibitors should modulate DCE-MRI measurements of vascular permeability, this highlights the potential of serial three-dimensional tumor measurements to detect tumor growth arrest. Twelve patients received drug for more than two treatments, although no partial or complete responses were seen. CONCLUSION: The data show that CDP791 is biologically active and well tolerated, achieving appropriate plasma concentrations when administered at 10 mg/kg or more every 3 weeks.