Camonsertib in DNA damage response-deficient advanced solid tumors: phase 1 trial results

Timothy A Yap1, Elisa Fontana2, Elizabeth K Lee3

  • 1Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. tyap@mdanderson.org.

Nature Medicine
|June 5, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This Phase 1 trial of camonsertib (ATRi) showed promising safety and preliminary efficacy in advanced solid tumors with DNA damage response (DDR) gene alterations. Clinical benefit was observed, particularly in ovarian cancer and tumors with specific DDR alterations.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Targeted cancer therapies require predictive biomarkers for treatment selection.
  • Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase inhibitors (ATRi) demonstrate synthetic lethality with loss of function (LOF) in ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase.
  • Preclinical data suggest other DNA damage response (DDR) gene alterations can sensitize tumors to ATRi.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and determine the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of the ATR inhibitor camonsertib (RP-3500).
  • To assess preliminary anti-tumor activity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic biomarkers of camonsertib.
  • To explore methods for identifying ATRi-sensitizing biomarkers in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Main Methods:

  • A Phase 1 trial (Module 1) involving 120 patients with advanced solid tumors harboring DDR gene LOF alterations.
  • Patients received camonsertib, with dose escalation to determine safety and RP2D.
  • Clinical response, benefit, and molecular response rates were evaluated in patients receiving biologically effective doses.

Main Results:

  • Camonsertib was generally well-tolerated, with grade 3 anemia as the most frequent toxicity (32%).
  • The preliminary recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) was established at 160 mg weekly.
  • Overall clinical response, clinical benefit, and molecular response rates were 13%, 43%, and 43%, respectively, in patients receiving effective doses.
  • Highest clinical benefit was observed in ovarian cancer and tumors with biallelic LOF alterations.

Conclusions:

  • Camonsertib demonstrates a manageable safety profile and preliminary anti-tumor activity in patients with specific DDR-altered advanced solid tumors.
  • The study identified a potential RP2D and highlighted specific patient populations and tumor types that may benefit most from ATR inhibition.
  • Further investigation in Phase 2 trials is warranted to confirm efficacy and refine patient selection based on DDR alterations.

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