Phase 1 Dose Escalation Study of MEDI-565, a Bispecific T-Cell Engager that Targets Human Carcinoembryonic Antigen, in Patients With Advanced Gastrointestinal Adenocarcinomas

Introduction MEDI-565, a bispecific, single-chain antibody targeting human carcinoembryonic antigen on tumor cells and the CD3 epsilon subunit of the human T-cell receptor complex, showed antitumor activity in carcinoembryonic antigen-expressing tumors in murine models. Patients and Methods This phase I, multicenter, open-label dose escalation study enrolled adults with gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. MEDI-565 was given intravenously over 3 hours on days 1 through 5 in 28-day cycles, with 4 single-patient (0.75-20 μg) and 5 standard 3 + 3 escalation (60 μg-3 mg; 1.5-7.5 mg with dexamethasone) cohorts. Primary objective was determining maximum tolerated dose; secondary objectives were evaluating pharmacokinetics, antidrug antibodies, and antitumor activity. Results Thirty-nine patients were enrolled (mean age, 59 years; 56% male; 72% colorectal cancer). Four patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities (2 at 3 mg; 2 at 7.5 mg + dexamethasone): hypoxia (n = 2), diarrhea, and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Five patients reported grade 3 treatment-related adverse events: diarrhea, CRS, increased alanine aminotransferase, hypertension (all, n = 1), and hypoxia (n = 2); 6 experienced treatment-related serious adverse events: diarrhea, vomiting, pyrexia, CRS (all, n = 1), and hypoxia (n = 2). MEDI-565 pharmacokinetics was linear and dose-proportional, with fast clearance and short half-life. Nineteen patients (48.7%) had antidrug antibodies; 5 (12.8%) had high titers, 2 with decreased MEDI-565 concentrations. No objective responses occurred; 11 (28%) had stable disease as best response. Conclusions The maximum tolerated dose of MEDI-565 in this patient population was 5 mg administered over 3 hours on days 1 through 5 every 28 days, with dexamethasone. Pharmacokinetics were linear. No objective responses were observed.