Efficacy and safety exposure-response analyses of entrectinib in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors

Francois Mercier1, Nassim Djebli2, Mario González-Sales3

  • 1Roche Innovation Center, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland. francois.mercier@roche.com.

Abstract

Insights

Entrectinib shows efficacy in treating NTRK-, ROS1-, or ALK-positive cancers. Higher doses may increase adverse events, but 600 mg/day offers a good benefit-risk balance for rare tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology and Oncology
  • Clinical Trial Analysis

Background:

  • Entrectinib is a targeted therapy inhibiting TRKA/B/C, ROS1, and ALK kinases.
  • Understanding exposure-response relationships is crucial for optimizing cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the exposure-response relationships of entrectinib in patients with specific genetic alterations.
  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of entrectinib based on pharmacokinetic parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Pooled data from Phase 1/2 entrectinib studies in 293 patients with NTRK-, ROS1-, or ALK-positive advanced/metastatic tumors.
  • Longitudinal nonlinear mixed-effect modeling for tumor size changes and logistic regression for adverse events.
  • Analysis of secondary pharmacokinetic parameters to link exposure to efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

  • 73% of 89 evaluable patients achieved a response; exposure was similar between responders and non-responders.
  • Tumor shrinkage rates were significantly higher than growth rates, independent of entrectinib exposure.
  • Increased probability of Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) at doses >600 mg/day.

Conclusions:

  • Entrectinib at 600 mg/day demonstrates an acceptable benefit-risk ratio for adults with NTRK-, ROS1-, or ALK-positive tumors.
  • The findings support the use of entrectinib in rare tumor types harboring these specific genetic alterations.