Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
MABp1 as a novel antibody treatment for advanced colorectal cancer: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
Tamas Hickish1, Thierry Andre2, Lucjan Wyrwicz3
1Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, Dorset, UK; Oncology Department, Royal Bournemouth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Bournemouth, UK; Department of Oncology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK.
Background:
MABp1, an antibody that targets interleukin 1α, has been associated with antitumour activity and relief of debilitating symptoms in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. We sought to establish the effect of MABp1 with a new primary endpoint in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
Methods:
Eligible patients for the double-blind phase of this ongoing, placebo-controlled, randomised, phase 3 trial, had metastatic or unresectable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score 1 or 2, systemic inflammation, weight loss, and other disease-related morbidities associated with poor prognosis, and were refractory to oxaliplatin and irinotecan. Patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive either MABp1 or placebo. Randomisation codes were obtained from a centrally held list via an interactive web response system. Patients received an intravenous infusion of 7·5 mg/kg MABp1 or placebo given every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was assessed in patients who received at least one dose of MABp1 or placebo (modified intention-to-treat population), and was a composite of stable or increased lean body mass and stability or improvement in two of three symptoms (pain, fatigue, or anorexia) at week 8 compared with baseline measurements. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02138422.
Findings:
Patients were enrolled between May 20, 2014, and Sept 2, 2015. The double-blind phase of the study was completed on Nov 3, 2015. Of 333 patients randomly assigned treatment, 207 received at least one dose of MABp1 and 102 at least one dose of placebo. 68 (33%) and 19 (19%) patients, respectively, achieved the primary endpoint (relative risk 1·76, 95% CI 1·12-2·77, p=0·0045). The most common grade 3-4 adverse events in the MABp1 group compared with in the placebo group were anaemia (eight [4%] of 207 vs five [5%] of 102 patients), increased concentration of alkaline phosphatase (nine [4%] vs two [2%]), fatigue (six [3%] vs seven [7%]), and increased concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (six [3%] vs two [2%]). After 8 weeks, 17 (8%) patients in the MABp1 group and 11 (11%) in the placebo group had died, but no death was judged to be related to treatment. The incidence of serious adverse events was not significantly different in the MABp1 group and placebo groups (47 [23%] vs 33 [32%], p=0·07).
Interpretation:
The primary endpoint was a useful means of measuring clinical performance in patients. MABp1 might represent a new standard in the management of advanced colorectal cancer.
Funding:
XBiotech.
Insights
MABp1, an antibody targeting interleukin 1α, improved lean body mass and symptoms in advanced colorectal cancer patients. This suggests MABp1 may offer a new treatment standard for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- MABp1, an antibody targeting interleukin 1α (IL-1α), has demonstrated potential antitumour activity.
- IL-1α inhibition is explored for managing debilitating symptoms in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC).
- Previous research indicated MABp1's efficacy in alleviating CRC-related symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of MABp1 in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
- To assess the effect of MABp1 using a novel composite primary endpoint.
- To establish MABp1 as a potential new standard of care for advanced CRC.
Main Methods:
- Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial involving patients with advanced CRC refractory to oxaliplatin and irinotecan.
- Patients received MABp1 (7.5 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks for 8 weeks) or placebo (2:1 ratio).
- Primary endpoint: composite of stable/increased lean body mass and stability/improvement in two of three symptoms (pain, fatigue, anorexia) at week 8.
Main Results:
- 333 patients were randomized; 207 received MABp1 and 102 received placebo.
- Significantly more patients in the MABp1 group achieved the primary endpoint (33% vs. 19%, p=0.0045).
- Adverse events and serious adverse events were comparable between groups; no treatment-related deaths were reported.
Conclusions:
- The composite primary endpoint effectively measured clinical performance in advanced CRC patients.
- MABp1 demonstrated a statistically significant benefit in improving lean body mass and key symptoms.
- MABp1 shows promise as a new therapeutic option for advanced colorectal cancer management.
