Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of pegylated liposomal CKD-602 in patients with advanced malignancies

S-CKD602 is a pegylated liposomal formulation of CKD602, a semisynthetic camptothecin analogue. Pegylated (STEALTH) liposomes can achieve extended drug exposure in plasma and tumor. Based on promising preclinical data, the first phase I study of S-CKD602 was done in patients with refractory solid tumors.

S-CKD602 was administered i.v. every 3 weeks. Modified Fibonacci escalation was used (three to six patients/cohort), and dose levels ranged from 0.1 to 2.5 mg/m2. Serial plasma samples were obtained over 2 weeks and total (lactone+hydroxyl acid) concentrations of encapsulated, released, and sum total (encapsulated+released) CKD602 measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Forty-five patients (21 males) were treated. Median age, 62 years (range, 33-79 years) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, 0 to 1 (43 patients) and 2 (2 patients). Dose-limiting toxicities of grade 3 mucositis occurred in one of six patients at 0.3 mg/m2, grade 3 and 4 bone marrow suppression in two of three patients at 2.5 mg/m2, and grade 3 febrile neutropenia and anemia in one of six patients at 2.1 mg/m2. The maximum tolerated dose was 2.1 mg/m2. Partial responses occurred in two patients with refractory ovarian cancer (1.7 and 2.1 mg/m2). High interpatient variability occurred in the pharmacokinetic disposition of encapsulated and released CKD602.

S-CKD602 represents a promising new liposomal camptothecin analogue with manageable toxicity and promising antitumor activity. Phase II studies of S-CKD602 at 2.1 mg/m2 i.v. once every 3 weeks are planned. Prolonged plasma exposure over 1 to 2 weeks is consistent with STEALTH liposomes and provides extended exposure compared with single doses of nonliposomal camptothecins.