Cabozantinib in patients with advanced RET-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer: an open-label, single-centre, phase 2, single-arm trial Journal Article


Authors: Drilon, A.; Rekhtman, N.; Arcila, M.; Wang, L.; Ni, A.; Albano, M.; Van Voorthuysen, M.; Somwar, R.; Smith, R. S.; Montecalvo, J.; Plodkowski, A.; Ginsberg, M. S.; Riely, G. J.; Rudin, C. M.; Ladanyi, M.; Kris, M. G.
Article Title: Cabozantinib in patients with advanced RET-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer: an open-label, single-centre, phase 2, single-arm trial
Abstract: Background RET rearrangements are found in 1–2% of non-small-cell lung cancers. Cabozantinib is a multikinase inhibitor with activity against RET that produced a 10% overall response in unselected patients with lung cancers. To assess the activity of cabozantinib in patients with RET-rearranged lung cancers, we did a prospective phase 2 trial in this molecular subgroup. Methods We enrolled patients in this open-label, Simon two-stage, single-centre, phase 2, single-arm trial in the USA if they met the following criteria: metastatic or unresectable lung cancer harbouring a RET rearrangement, Karnofsky performance status higher than 70, and measurable disease. Patients were given 60 mg of cabozantinib orally per day. The primary objective was to determine the overall response (Response Criteria Evaluation in Solid Tumors version 1.1) in assessable patients; those who received at least one dose of cabozantinib, and had been given CT imaging at baseline and at least one protocol-specified follow-up timepoint. We did safety analyses in the modified intention-to-treat population who received at least one dose of cabozantinib. The accrual of patients with RET-rearranged lung cancer to this protocol has been completed but the trial is still ongoing because several patients remain on active treatment. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01639508. Findings Between July 13, 2012, and April 30, 2016, 26 patients with RET-rearranged lung adenocarcinomas were enrolled and given cabozantinib; 25 patients were assessable for a response. KIF5B-RET was the predominant fusion type identified in 16 (62%) patients. The study met its primary endpoint, with confirmed partial responses seen in seven of 25 response-assessable patients (overall response 28%, 95% CI 12–49). Of the 26 patients given cabozantinib, the most common grade 3 treatment-related adverse events were lipase elevation in four (15%) patients, increased alanine aminotransferase in two (8%) patients, increased aspartate aminotransferase in two (8%) patients, decreased platelet count in two (8%) patients, and hypophosphataemia in two (8%) patients. No drug-related deaths were recorded but 16 (62%) patients died during the course of follow-up. 19 (73%) patients required dose reductions due to drug-related adverse events. Interpretation The reported activity of cabozantinib in patients with RET-rearranged lung cancers defines RET rearrangements as actionable drivers in patients with lung cancers. An improved understanding of tumour biology and novel therapeutic approaches will be needed to improve outcomes with RET-directed targeted treatment. Funding Exelixis, National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA008748. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd
Journal Title: Lancet Oncology
Volume: 17
Issue: 12
ISSN: 1470-2045
Publisher: Elsevier Science, Inc.  
Date Published: 2016-12-01
Start Page: 1653
End Page: 1660
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(16)30562-9
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC5143197
PUBMED: 27825636
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 3 January 2017 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Natasha Rekhtman
    434 Rekhtman
  2. Michelle S Ginsberg
    237 Ginsberg
  3. Marc Ladanyi
    1332 Ladanyi
  4. Gregory J Riely
    603 Riely
  5. Romel Somwar
    111 Somwar
  6. Lu Wang
    147 Wang
  7. Maria Eugenia Arcila
    669 Arcila
  8. Mark Kris
    870 Kris
  9. Alexander Edward Drilon
    634 Drilon
  10. Charles Rudin
    493 Rudin
  11. Roger Stephen Smith
    20 Smith
  12. Ai   Ni
    99 Ni