A Randomized Phase II Study of Androgen Deprivation Therapy with or without Palbociclib in RB-positive Metastatic

Phillip L Palmbos1, Stephanie Daignault-Newton1, Scott A Tomlins1

  • 1Michigan Medicine Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Abstract

Insights

Adding palbociclib to androgen deprivation therapy did not improve outcomes for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Biomarkers like circulating tumor cells and specific gene mutations predicted poorer outcomes in this prostate cancer study.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Prostate Cancer Research
  • Cell Cycle Inhibitors

Background:

  • Palbociclib is a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor that blocks proliferation in preclinical prostate cancer models.
  • The study aimed to evaluate if combining androgen receptor and cell cycle inhibition could improve outcomes in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy of adding palbociclib to androgen deprivation (AD) therapy in patients with RB-intact mHSPC.
  • To identify predictive biomarkers for treatment response and progression.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized trial involving 60 patients with RB-intact mHSPC, comparing AD alone versus AD plus palbociclib.
  • Primary endpoint was prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate at 28 weeks; secondary endpoints included safety, progression-free survival (PFS), and radiographic response.
  • Tumor exome sequencing and circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration were performed.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in PSA response rate (80% in both arms) or PSA undetectable rates at 28 weeks between the two arms.
  • Radiographic response rates (89%) and 12-month biochemical PFS (69% vs 74%) were similar in both groups.
  • Neutropenia was the most common grade 3/4 adverse event in the palbociclib arm.
  • Pretreatment CTCs, TP53 and PIK3 pathway mutations, and 8q gains were associated with reduced PSA PFS.

Conclusions:

  • Palbociclib did not improve outcomes in patients with RB-intact mHSPC when added to AD therapy.
  • Biomarkers including pretreatment CTCs, TP53 and PIK3 pathway mutations, and 8q gain are associated with poor outcomes in mHSPC.