A Study of CHeckpoint Inhibitors in Men With prOgressive Metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer Characterized by a Mismatch Repair Deficiency or Biallelic CDK12 Inactivation

Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial

— CHOMP  

Official title:

A Phase 2 Study of a Checkpoint Inhibitor in Men With Progressive Metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer Characterized by a Mismatch Repair Deficiency or Biallelic CDK12 Inactivation

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Recruiting

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT04104893
• Other study ID #: CSDR-003-18F
• Secondary ID: CX002006
• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 2
• Start date: February 20, 2020
• Est. completion date: December 31, 2025

Study information

• Verified date: March 2024
• Source: VA Office of Research and Development
• Contact: Matthew B Rettig, MD
• Phone: (310) 478-3711
• Email: matthew.rettig[@]va.gov
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

The primary objective is to assess the activity and efficacy of pembrolizumab, a checkpoint inhibitor, in Veterans with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) characterized by either mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or biallelic inactivation of CDK12 (CDK12-/-). The secondary objectives involve determining the frequency with which dMMR and CDK12-/- occur in this patient population, as well as the effects of pembrolizumab on various clinical endpoints (time to PSA progression, maximal PSA response, time to initiation of alternative anti-neoplastic therapy, time to radiographic progression, overall survival, and safety and tolerability). Lastly, the study will compare the pre-treatment and at-progression metastatic tumor biopsies to investigate the molecular correlates of resistance and sensitivity to pembrolizumab via RNA-sequencing, exome-sequencing, selected protein analyses, and multiplexed immunofluorescence.

Description:

Research Plan: This is a single-arm, open-label phase II study that examines the response rate of pembrolizumab in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients who have either a mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or a biallelic inactivation of CDK12 (CDK12-/-). The study will enroll mCRPC patients who have the selected genetic mutation and at least one metastatic lesion that is amendable to biopsy. All patients must have progressed on at least one prior line of mCRPC therapy, such as abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide. Eligible patients will undergo at least 12 weeks (4 cycles) of pembrolizumab (200 mg IV). Methodology: Patients with either a mismatch repair deficiency or biallelic inactivation of CDK12 in their tumor are eligible for this study. If the patient has progressed on at least one prior therapy for mCRPC, including abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide, he is eligible to begin genetic screening. Patients with these mutations will be identified primarily through standard of care genetic testing with either archival tissue or blood. Specimens will be sent to VA approved vendors for genetic testing to determine if the patient has the necessary mutations to receive the study drug (pembrolizumab). If eligible, the patient will sign the Main Treatment ICF and proceed with the screening procedures. Once enrolled the patient will undergo a biopsy of a metastatic lesion (baseline biopsy) to identify molecular correlates. If the patient does not have any archival tissue or blood to be used to identify genetic mutations, the biopsy of a metastatic lesion will be used to both identify genetic mutations and to identify molecular correlates. When the patient has met all the eligibility criteria, he will receive pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab will be administered at a starting dose of 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. During the treatment, patients will either simultaneously receive a GnRH analogue or undergo a bilateral orchiectomy prior to treatment to maintain a castrate level of testosterone ( 50 ng/dl). At progression, patients will undergo a second biopsy of the same metastatic lesion of the baseline biopsy. The baseline (pre-treatment) and at-progression biopsies will be used for correlative analyses to determine the efficacy of pembrolizumab. Note: after the testing process is complete, Oncoplex will return any remaining sample back to the Department of Pathology at the West LA VA Medical Center. These specimens will be stored in Dr. Matthew Rettig's biorepository on site for analysis and future research. Results: Since this is a new study, the results have not yet been obtained. The primary endpoint of this study is to measure the objective response rate, radiographic progression free survival at 6 months, and decline in PSA of 50% or more 12 weeks of therapy. Clinical Significance: There are 230,000 new incidences of prostate cancer and 30,000 deaths from prostate cancer per year in the US. It is the second most common cause of death in American men. Importantly, prostate cancer is diagnosed in more than 12,000 US Veterans each year, representing nearly one third of all cancer diagnoses in Veterans. Metastatic prostate cancer is incurable, and its treatment is palliative. However, many Veterans with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) progress despite experiencing some clinical benefit from hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. As a result, novel therapies that provide a robust clinical benefit and have a good safety profile are needed for these patients. Immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitor, for mCRPC patients that have either a mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or a biallelic inactivation of CDK12 (CDK12-/-) is an attractive therapy, especially since therapies involving checkpoint inhibitors have exhibited significant improvements in patients with advanced melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and many other cancers. The results of this study will establish the ideal subset of mCRPC patients who will benefit from the study drug. Importantly, the correlative studies will provide critical insight into the mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance that occur despite selection of patients with CDK12-/- or dMMR. This result can inform further selection of patients for checkpoint inhibition, as well as identify other potential therapies that can be co-administered with pembrolizumab to prevent or overcome resistance to checkpoint inhibitors.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Recruiting
• Enrollment: 30
• Est. completion date: December 31, 2025
• Est. primary completion date: March 31, 2025
• Accepts healthy volunteers: No
• Gender: Male
• Age group: 18 Years and older

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subject must be 18 years of age or older at the time the Informed Consent is signed.
• The subject (or legally acceptable representative if applicable) must provide written informed consent for the trial.
• Pathologic diagnosis of prostate cancer of adenocarcinoma or small cell histology.
• Metastatic disease as documented by technetium-99m (99mTc) bone scan or metastatic lesions by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans (visceral or lymph node disease). CT-portion of FDG-PET/CT or scan may be used for eligibility. NaF PET-CT is an alternative to 99mTc bone scan. If lymph node metastasis is the only evidence of metastatic disease, it must be 1.5 cm in short axis and above the level of the iliac bifurcation. Imaging studies for the purpose of determining eligibility must be completed within 60 days of Day 1.
• Progressive castration resistant prostate cancer as defined by serum testosterone < 50

ng/mL and one of the following:

• PSA progression confirmed per Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Working Group (PCWG3),
• Radiographic progression of soft tissues according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1 (iRECIST 1.1) modified based on PCWG3, or radiographic progression of bone according to PCWG3.
• Prior use of a novel AR signaling inhibitor for 4 weeks, including abiraterone acetate plus prednisone/prednisolone, enzalutamide, apalutamide, and/or darolutamide. NOTE: These AR signaling inhibitors may have been used for mCSPC, M0CRPC, and/or mCRPC.
• Ongoing surgical or medical castration, with testosterone levels of <50 ng/dL. If the subject is being treated with GnRH analogs (subject who has not undergone bilateral orchiectomy), this therapy must have been initiated at least 30 weeks prior to initiation of pembrolizumab and must be continued throughout the study.
• ECOG PS grade of 0-1.
• Metastatic lesion that is amenable to biopsy and performed within 180 days of Day 1.
• dMMR or CDK12-/- as determined by somatic tumor DNA NGS.
• Either monoallelic or biallelic inactivation of CDK12 on NGS is considered sufficient for eligibility purposes.
• MMR genes include: MLH1, MSH2, MLH3, PMS1, MSH6, and PMS2.
• dMMR is established by MSI-H on NGS. However, for "weak" MMR genes, inclusive of PMS2 and MSH6, monoallelic inactivation will be allowed for eligibility purposes if and only if there is at least MSI-low or hypermutation that is concomitantly present.
• If there is biallelic inactivation of "strong" MMR genes (MLH1 and MSH2), then patients must manifest MSI-H. However, if the tumor DNA utilized for MSI analysis was obtained > 6 months prior to NGS, then the NGS should be repeated to determine if MSI-H has developed. Monoallelic inactivation of "strong" MMR genes will be allowed if MSI-H is present; in this scenario, it is presumed that biallelic inactivation is present but the second inactivating event was not detected due to technical issues such as low sensitivity for copy loss.
• Adequate organ function:
• Hemoglobin (hgb) > 9.0 g/dL,
• Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) > 1500/ uL,
• Platelets > 100,000/ uL,
• Total bilirubin 1.5 x ULN OR direct bilirubin ULN for participants with total bilirubin levels >1.5 x ULN
• ALT and AST 2.5 x ULN ( 5 x ULN for participants with liver metastases) (Child-Pugh class A and B allowed; Child-Pugh class C is excluded).
• Creatinine < (2.0 mg/dL) during screening evaluation (>2.0 is allowed if EGFR >30 mL/min/1.73 m2).
• Subject must agree to use contraception during the treatment period plus an additional 120 days after the last dose of study treatment and must refrain from donating sperm during this period.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Brain metastases.
• Prior treatment with an anti-PD1, anti-PDL1, or anti PD L2 agent or with an agent directed to another stimulatory or co-inhibitory T-cell receptor (eg, CTLA-4, OX 40, CD137).
• Anti-neoplastic therapies for prostate cancer must be completed > 2 weeks prior to Day 1 (initiation of pembrolizumab); chemotherapy must be completed > 4 weeks prior to Day 1.
• Has received prior systemic anti-cancer therapy including investigational agents within 4 weeks [could consider shorter interval for kinase inhibitors or other short half-life drugs] prior to [randomization /allocation]. Note: Participants must have recovered from all AEs due to previous therapies to Grade 1 or baseline. Participants with Grade 2 neuropathy may be eligible.
• Herbal and non-herbal products that may decrease PSA levels other than medical castration and megestrol (up to 40 mg/day is allowed) for hot flashes.
• Has received prior radiotherapy within 2 weeks of start of study treatment. Participants must have recovered from all radiation-related toxicities, not require corticosteroids, and not have had radiation pneumonitis. A 1-week washout is permitted for palliative radiation ( 2 weeks of radiotherapy) to non-CNS disease.
• Is currently participating in or has participated in a study of an investigational agent or has used an investigational device within 4 weeks prior to the first dose of study treatment. Note: Participants who have entered the follow-up phase of an investigational study may participate as long as it has been 4 weeks after the last dose of the previous investigational agent.
• If a subject has undergone major surgery, they must have recovered adequately from the toxicities or complications from the intervention within 4 weeks prior to starting therapy.
• History of non-prostate active malignancy requiring treatment in the 24 months prior to Day 1 except for non-muscle invasive urothelial cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer.
• Active infection or conditions requiring treatment with antibiotics.
• Immunosuppressive doses of systemic medications, such as corticosteroids (doses > 10 mg/day prednisone or equivalent), within 2 weeks of Day 1.
• Has a history of (non-infectious) pneumonitis that required steroids or has current pneumonitis.
• Has a known history of active TB (Bacillus Tuberculosis).
• Has a history or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the study, interfere with the subject's participation for the full duration of the study, or is not in the best interest of the subject to participate, in the opinion of the treating investigator.
• Active autoimmune disease or a documented history of autoimmune disease that requires immunosuppressive medications within the last two years (e.g., chronic steroids, methotrexate, tacrolimus, etc.).
• Active or chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C disease as determined by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody, or hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) positivity at screening. If positive, further testing of quantitative levels to rule out active infection is required.
• History of positive test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). NOTE: Hepatitis B and C and HIV testing is NOT required during screening.
• Vaccinated with a live vaccine within 30 days of enrollment.
• Has severe hypersensitivity ( Grade 3) to pembrolizumab and/or any of its excipients.
• Has known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial.
• Subject is planning to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the study, starting with the screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of trial treatment.

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer
• Prostatic Neoplasms

Intervention

Drug:
• Pembrolizumab
Pembrolizumab is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD 1)-blocking antibody. Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG4 kappa antibody with an approximate molecular weight of 149 kDa. Pembrolizumab is produced in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
United States	VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI	Ann Arbor	Michigan
United States	Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Pay Pines, FL	Bay Pines	Florida
United States	James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY	Bronx	New York
United States	Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL	Chicago	Illinois
United States	Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC	Durham	North Carolina
United States	Manhattan Campus of the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY	New York	New York
United States	Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA	Philadelphia	Pennsylvania
United States	Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA	Richmond	Virginia
United States	San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA	San Francisco	California
United States	VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA	Seattle	Washington
United States	Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC	Washington	District of Columbia
United States	VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, CA	West Los Angeles	California

Sponsors (2)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
VA Office of Research and Development	Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Country where clinical trial is conducted

United States, 

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Other	Identification of Molecular Correlates and Biomarkers of Resistance and Sensitivity to Pembrolizumab	We will investigate and identify molecular correlates and biomarkers of resistance and sensitivity to pembrolizumab using baseline and at-progression metastatic tumor biopsies. Molecular correlates will be assessed by RNA-seq, exome-seq, selected protein analyses, and multiplexed immunofluorescence for immune cells. Whenever possible, we will attempt to validate tissue based biomarkers in peripheral blood specimens.	Date of enrollment to the date of the last patient in plus one year after
Primary	PSA Decline	Decline in PSA of 50% or more (PSA50) 12 weeks of therapy (ng/mL)	12 weeks of therapy
Primary	Objective Response Rate	Objective response in measurable disease by immunotherapy response criteria (iRECIST) or radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) after 6 months of therapy.	First day of Pembrolizumab administration to 6 months after
Secondary	Time to Progression of Disease	Time to PSA progression; Time to initiation of alternative anti-neoplastic therapy,; Time to radiographic progression	Date of enrollment to the date of the last patient in plus one year after
Secondary	Overall Survival	The overall survival rate measured as time from enrollment until death.	From enrollment until death assessed up to 36 months
Secondary	Maximum PSA Response	Maximal PSA response (ng/mL)	Date of Enrollement to the date of the last patient in plus one year after
Secondary	Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events [Safety and Tolerability]	See what the safety and tolerability of Pembrolizumab on patients with prostate cancer is by assessing adverse and serious adverse events that each patient experiences.	Date of first patient in to the date of the last patient in plus one year after