INTRODUCTION: Perifosine (Peri) a novel, oral signal transduction modulator with multiple effects including inhibition of Akt and activation of JNK, has demonstrated clinical activity when combined with dexamethasone (Dex) in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory MM (ASH 2006 #3582). Lenalidomide (Revlimid, Rev) a novel, oral immunomodulatory drug has additive effects when combined with Dex. Pre-clinical studies demonstrate increased cytotoxicity against MM cells when Peri is combined with Rev/Dex compared to each drug alone or in combination (Hideshima, T.et al Data on File). The addition of Peri to Rev/Dex may therefore enhance its clinical activity. This phase 1 study aimed to determine MTD and activity of Peri + Rev + Dex, in pts with 2nd or 3rd line MM.

METHODS: Four cohorts (6 pts each) are planned, dosing Peri at 50 or 100mg (daily), Rev 15 or 25mg (d 1–21) and Dex 20mg (d 1–4, 9–12 and 17–20 for 4 cycles, then 20 mg d 1–4) in 28-d cycles. Toxicity assessment uses NCI CTCAE v3.0; DLT is defined as grade (G) 3 non-hematologic toxicity, G4 neutropenia for 5 d and/or neutropenic fever, or platelets <25,000/mm3 on >1 occasion despite transfusion. Response is assessed by modified EBMT criteria.

RESULTS: 12 pts (6 M / 6 F, median age 62 y, range 40 – 78) have been enrolled; 6 pts in cohort 1 (Peri 50mg, Rev 15mg, Dex 20mg) and 6 pts in cohort 2 (Peri 50mg, Rev 25mg, Dex 20mg). 7 pts (58%) had relapsed/refractory MM, with a median of 2 lines of prior treatment (range 1–3). Prior therapy included dex (100%), thalidomide (83%), bortezomib (58%), stem cell transplant (67%) and one patient who had relapsed on prior Rev/Dex. 10 pts have completed one full cycle of treatment and the most common adverse events (≥ 10%) have been as follows:

Adverse EventGrade 1Grade 2Grade 3
Nausea 10% 0% 0% 
Vomiting 10% 0% 0% 
Diarrhea 30% 10% 10% 
Fatigue 20% 20% 10% 
Thrombocytopenia 10% 10% 20% 
Increase Creatinine 10% 10% 0% 
Neutropenia 0% 0% 20% 
Leukopenia 0% 0% 20% 
Adverse EventGrade 1Grade 2Grade 3
Nausea 10% 0% 0% 
Vomiting 10% 0% 0% 
Diarrhea 30% 10% 10% 
Fatigue 20% 20% 10% 
Thrombocytopenia 10% 10% 20% 
Increase Creatinine 10% 10% 0% 
Neutropenia 0% 0% 20% 
Leukopenia 0% 0% 20% 

No DLT’s or G 4 events have been reported. Rev was reduced in 1 patient and dex was reduced in 3 pts. 9 of 12 pts are evaluable for response, with best response (EBMT and Uniform criteria) after ≥ 2 cycles was as follows:

ResponseN (%)Duration (wks)
Near Complete Response (nCR) 1 (11%) 28+ 
Very Good Partial Response (VGPR) 1 (11%) 21+ 
Partial Response (PR) 3 (33%) 31+, 12+, 8+ 
Minimal Response (MR) 1 (11%) 21+ 
Stable Disease (SD) < 25% reduction in M-protein 1 (11%) 16 
Progressive Disease (PD) 2 (22%) 8, 4 
ResponseN (%)Duration (wks)
Near Complete Response (nCR) 1 (11%) 28+ 
Very Good Partial Response (VGPR) 1 (11%) 21+ 
Partial Response (PR) 3 (33%) 31+, 12+, 8+ 
Minimal Response (MR) 1 (11%) 21+ 
Stable Disease (SD) < 25% reduction in M-protein 1 (11%) 16 
Progressive Disease (PD) 2 (22%) 8, 4 

7/10 pts remain on study.

CONCLUSIONS: Pts to date have tolerated Peri + Rev + Dex well with no unexpected toxicities and clinical activity has been noted within the first 2 cohorts with 5 of 9 (56%) of pts achieving at least PR. To limit dex-related toxicities, the protocol will be amended to use weekly Dex as per Rajkumar et al. (ASCO 2007), which will apply to cohorts 3 and 4. Accrual is ongoing and additional results will be updated at the meeting.

Author notes

Disclosure:Employment: Peter Sportelli, Lesa Gardner, Robert Birch, Craig Henderson are employees of Keryx Biopharmaceuticals. Consultancy: Ken Anderson, MD and Teru Hideshima, MD for Keryx Biopharmaceuticals. Ownership Interests:; Peter Sportelli, Lesa Gardner, Robert Birch, Craig Henderson have vested ownership interests in Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. Membership Information: Paul Richardson, Ken Anderson, Andrzej Jakubowiak, Todd Zimmerman, Jonathan Kaufman are members of the speakers bereau on behalf of Celgene.

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