Pharmacodynamic and therapeutic pilot studies of single-agent ribavirin in patients with human papillomavirus–related malignancies Journal Article


Authors: Burman, B.; Drutman, S. B.; Fury, M. G.; Wong, R. J.; Katabi, N.; Ho, A. L.; Pfister, D. G.
Article Title: Pharmacodynamic and therapeutic pilot studies of single-agent ribavirin in patients with human papillomavirus–related malignancies
Abstract: Objectives: Ribavirin inhibits eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), thereby decreasing cap-dependent translation. In this two-part study, we assessed the pharmacodynamic effects and therapeutic potential of ribavirin in human papillomavirus (HPV)–related malignancies. Methods: In the pharmacodynamic study, ribavirin (400 mg BID for 14 days) was evaluated in 8 patients with HPV-positive localized oropharyngeal carcinoma with phosphorylated-eIF4E (p-eIF4E) ≥ 30%. In the therapeutic study, ribavirin (1400 mg BID in 28-day cycles, continuously dosed) was evaluated in 12 patients with recurrent and/or metastatic HPV-related cancer. Dose interruptions or reductions were allowed according to prespecified criteria. Toxicities were assessed in accordance with National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4; response was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Patients remained on study until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: Six patients were evaluable in the pharmacodynamic study: 4 had decreased p-eIF4E after 14 days of ribavirin. In the therapeutic study, 12 patients were evaluable for toxicity, and 9 were evaluable for response. Among these, median follow-up was 3.5 months, and best overall response was stable disease in 5 patients and progression of disease in 4 patients. Median progression-free survival was 1.8 months. The most common treatment-related adverse events (grade > 2) were anemia, dyspnea, and hyperbilirubinemia. All patients had anemia (grades 1–3), with 33% having at least 1 dose reduction. Conclusion: Oral ribavirin decreases p-eIF4E levels and is well-tolerated. However, a clear signal of efficacy in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic HPV-related cancers was not observed. (NCT02308241, NCT01268579) © 2022
Keywords: ribavirin; human papillomavirus; eif4e; cap-dependent translation; hpv-related cancers
Journal Title: Oral Oncology
Volume: 128
ISSN: 1368-8375
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2022-05-01
Start Page: 105806
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105806
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 35339025
PMCID: PMC9788648
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 2 May 2022 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Nora Katabi
    303 Katabi
  2. David G Pfister
    389 Pfister
  3. Matthew G Fury
    102 Fury
  4. Richard J Wong
    412 Wong
  5. Alan Loh Ho
    237 Ho
  6. Bharat Burman
    13 Burman