MC250412 Phase 2B Study To Determine Efficacy Of HRX215, A First Generation MKK4 Inhibitor Drug, In Improving Regeneration Of The Remnant Liver After Portal Vein Embolization (PVE) Of Colorectal Liver Metastasis (CRLM)

Overview

About this study

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant disease of the colon or rectum and represents the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in both men and women. Over the course of their disease, approximately half of all CRC patients will develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). (Bray et al., 2024) 

Currently, liver resection remains the only potentially curative option for patients with CRLM. However, only 10% to 30% of patients present with disease that is considered resectable. In the United States alone, more than 76,000 new cases of CRLM were projected for 2023, yet only an estimated 23,000 of these patients were expected to have resectable disease. The survival benefits of surgery are significant: the 5-year relative survival rate after partial liver resection is between 20% and 45%, compared with only 6% for patients with unresectable CRLM. (Cucchetti et al., 2015) 

Resectability criteria are strict: complete removal of the CRLM must be possible, at least two adjacent liver segments must remain, and sufficient vascular inflow/outflow and biliary drainage must be preserved. Additionally, the future liver remnant (FLR) must comprise at least 20% of the total estimated liver volume. Tumors are deemed unresectable when more than 70% of the liver or more than six segments are involved, or when there is invasion of the portal vein or all hepatic veins. Importantly, the risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) rises steeply with the extent of resection, approaching nearly 100% when more than 70% of the liver is removed. While mild PHLF (grade A) carries no mortality, severe PHLF (grade C) is associated with a mortality rate as high as 54%. (Rahbari et al., 2011) 

Therefore, operability is determined largely by the adequacy of the remaining liver volume. The balance between the extent of tumor removal and preservation of sufficient functional liver tissue is critical for survival outcomes and has direct implications for strategies aiming to expand resectability and improve postoperative safety. Operability, therefore, largely depends on the extent of the remaining future liver. 

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria

-          Adults 18 – 90 years

-          Individuals with metachronous CRCLM after resection of the primary OR synchronous CRCLM with planned simultaneous resection of primary and metastatic disease

-          Measurable intrahepatic disease as defined by RECIST and considered resectable by multidisciplinary tumor board with at least one senior hepatic surgeon

-          Available CT suitable for volumetric studies on FLR ≤ 21 days

-      Clinical indication for PVE prior to major hepatectomy as evaluated by at least one senior hepatic surgeon

-    Estimated life expectancy 3 months as evaluated and approximated by a senior hepatic surgeon

3.11   ECOG Performance Status (PS) 0-1 (Appendix I)

3.12  The following laboratory values obtained ≤15 days prior to registration:

-                     Platelets ≥ 100,000/mm3

-          Polynuclear neutrophils ≥ 1000/mm3

-          Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL (post-transfusion participants can be included)

-          Creatinine ≤ 1.5 × ULN

-          Bilirubin ≤ ULN

-          Albumin ≥ 3 g/dL

-          AST and ALT ≤ 3xULN

-          INR ≤ 1.5

Of note, a slight deviation from normal ranges of liver function tests, circulating cell counts, and kidney function can be assumed after systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to PVE (Field et al., 2008; Takamoto et al., 2010; Lock et al., 2017), which is accounted for in the above list. These parameters at inclusion will then serve as patient baseline.

3.13   Negative pregnancy test done ≤7 days prior to registration, for persons of   childbearing potential only. Serum or urine human chorionic gonadotropin test is             suitable. Can be done with a home test and results reported by participant to the site.

3.14     Provide written informed consent

3.15     Willing to return to enrolling institution for follow-up (during the Active Monitoring Phase of the study)

Exclusion Criteria

-          Cirrhosis or clinical ascites

-       Patients with synchronous CRCLM and scheduled staged approach (i.e., resection of metastatic hepatic disease after PVE followed by resection of the colorectal primary in a second operation)

-          Any liver cancer other than CRLM

-          Contraindications to imaging or perioperative management:

Allergy/contraindication to iodine contrast.

Anticoagulation with heparin/AVK that cannot be interrupted for 48 hours.

Antiplatelet therapy (e.g., clopidogrel) that cannot be interrupted for 5 days.

-      Inability to discontinue CYP2D6 inhibitor concomitant medication from start of trial treatment to day 28.

-          Inoperability due to underlying chronic diseases and co-morbidities as assessed by the hepatobiliary surgeon during screening visit

-    Anticipated need to start adjuvant chemotherapy prior to completion of 28 day treatment period.

-          Positive test at screening for active HBV/HCV, defined as history of seropositivity for hepatitis B virus (unless immune due to vaccination or resolved natural infection or unless passive immunization due to immunoglobulin therapy), i.e., positive test for anti-hepatitis B core antigen and negative test for anti-hepatitis B surface antibody. Ongoing, non-cured hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Likewise, autoimmune hepatitis will be excluded based on serological (antinuclear antibodies [ANA], smooth muscle antibodies [SMA],  and biochemical parameters (AST and ALT) ,  Patients with serological and/or biochemical findings suggestive of probable autoimmune hepatitis will be excluded.

-    Legal incapacity (persons in custody or under guardianship)

-      Deprived of liberty subject (by judicial or administrative decision)

-      Impossibility to sign the informed consent document or to adhere to the medical follow-up of the trial for geographical, social, or psychological reasons

3.21     Any of the following because this study involves an investigational agent, the genotoxic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects of which on the developing fetus and newborn are unknown

·         Pregnant persons

·         Nursing persons

·         Persons of childbearing potential who are unwilling to employ adequate contraception. Participants of childbearing potential must use highly effective contraception (hormonal methods, IUD/IUS, bilateral tubal occlusion, or vasectomized partner) during treatment and for a defined post-treatment period of 30 days. True abstinence is acceptable if consistent with lifestyle. Barrier methods alone are insufficient unless combined. Male participants with partners of childbearing potential must use condoms and avoid sperm donation during and after treatment.

3.22     Any of the following prior therapies:

·         Major surgical procedures ≤3 weeks prior to registration

·         Bevacizumab as part of systemic cancer treatment ≤2 weeks prior to registration

 

3.23     Failure to recover from any adverse events related to any of the following therapies received prior to registration:

·         Chemotherapy

·         Immunotherapy

·         Targeted therapies

·         Other investigational agents

·         Radiation therapy

·         Major surgical procedures

3.24     Co-morbid systemic illnesses or other severe concurrent disease which, in the judgment of the investigator, would make the patient inappropriate for entry into this study or interfere significantly with the proper assessment of safety and toxicity of the prescribed regimens

3.25     Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to:

·         ongoing or active infection

·         symptomatic congestive heart failure

·         unstable angina pectoris

·         cardiac arrhythmia

·         dyspnea at rest due to complications of advanced malignancy or other disease that requires continuous oxygen therapy

·         psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements

3.26     Immunocompromised patients and patients known to be HIV positive and currently receiving antiretroviral therapy

NOTE: Patients known to be HIV positive, but without clinical evidence of an immunocompromised state, are eligible for this trial.

3.27     Receiving any other investigational agent which would be considered as a treatment for the primary neoplasm in the neoadjuvant setting or during active treatment phase of this study (adjuvant treatment after active treatment phase is completed does not apply).

3.28     Another active malignancy requiring therapy such as radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy at time of study inclusion or within the past five years with the exception of basal cell carcinoma or carcinoma in situ of the cervix. Patients on hormonal therapy for treated breast or prostate cancer are permitted if they meet other eligibility criteria.

3.29     History of myocardial infarction ≤6 months, or congestive heart failure requiring use of ongoing maintenance therapy for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias Randomization – Inclusion Criteria

-          Adults 18 – 90 years

- Individuals with metachronous CRCLM after resection of the primary OR synchronous CRCLM with planned simultaneous resection of primary and metastatic disease

-         Estimated life expectancy 3 months as evaluated and approximated by a senior hepatic surgeon

-         Measurable intrahepatic disease as defined by RECIST and considered resectable by multidisciplinary tumor board with at least one senior hepatic surgeon

       Available CT suitable for volumetric studies on FLR ≤ 21 days

  Scheduled for PVE prior to major hepatectomy

 

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Scott Nyberg, M.D., Ph.D.

Contact us for the latest status

Contact information:

Cancer Center Clinical Trials Referral Office

(855) 776-0015

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available
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CLS-20603435

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