A phase I, pharmacokinetic (PK), and preliminary efficacy assessment of ALD518, a humanized anti-IL-6 antibody, in patients with advanced cancer

Abstract

3025 Background: ALD518 is a humanized anti-IL-6 antibody being developed for the treatment of cancer cachexia and fatigue. The primary objective of the study was to determine the safety of ALD518. Methods: 9 patients (pts) with advanced cancer, ECOG 0–2, and C-reactive protein (CRP) >10mg/L were enrolled. Pts were assigned to 1 of 3 dose-escalating cohorts (n=3/cohort). ALD518 was given as a single i.v. infusion of 80mg, 160mg, or 320mg. Pts were followed up for 12 weeks. Data included lab safety tests (LSTs), vital signs, ECGs, adverse events, hand grip strength (HGS), FACIT-F, PK and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: 9 pts were evaluable for dose limiting toxicity (DLT) assessment at week 4 and 5/9 pts completed all visits. Of the 4 pts who failed to complete every visit; 3 were withdrawn due to progressive disease and 1 to be treated with chemotherapy. There were no DLTs or infusion reactions. There were 4 SAEs: 3 disease progressions and 1 sepsis secondary to a blocked biliary stent. There were no grade 3/4 toxicities. Changes in LSTs, CRP, HGS and FACIT-F fatigue subscale (pooled ITT analysis) are shown (Table). Conclusions: ALD518 given to pts with advanced cancer was safe and well tolerated. ALD518 reversed fatigue, increased hemoglobin and albumin, and there was a trend to increased HGS. There was a mild decrease in platelet count that remained stable throughout the study. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]