Cortes J, Podoltsev N, Kantarjian H, Borthakur G, Zeidan AM, Stahl M, Taube T, Fagan N, Rajeswari S, Uy GL. Phase 1 dose escalation trial of volasertib in combination with decitabine in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Int J Hematol 2021;
113:92-99. [PMID:
32951163 DOI:
10.1007/s12185-020-02994-8]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) regulates mitotic checkpoints and cell division. PLK1 overexpression is reported in numerous cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and is associated with poor prognosis. Volasertib is a selective, potent cell-cycle kinase inhibitor that targets PLK to induce mitotic arrest and apoptosis. This phase 1 trial investigated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and anti-leukemic activity of volasertib in combination with decitabine in AML patients aged ≥ 65 years. Thirteen patients were treated with escalating volasertib doses (3 + 3 design; 300 mg, 350 mg, and 400 mg) plus standard-dose decitabine. Dose-limiting toxicity was reported in one patient in cycle 1; the MTD of volasertib in combination with decitabine was determined as 400 mg. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were febrile neutropenia, pneumonia, and decreased appetite. Objective response rate was 23%. The combination was well tolerated, and the adverse event profile was in line with previous findings.
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