Phase I study of rapamycin (R) in combination with CYP3A4 modifier, ketoconazole (K), in patients with advanced malignancies
3061 Background: R is currently FDA approved for the treatment of renal allograft rejection but mTOR is a relevant target in several cancer types. K, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, increases the area under the concentration curve (AUC) of R and co-administration of R and K can overcome poor R bioavailability and decrease costs substantially. The aims of this study were to find the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) of R administered weekly in combination with K and describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the combination in patients with advanced malignancies. Methods: R and K were administered concurrently to successive cohorts of patients. R starting dose was 1 mg once weekly and was escalated by 1 mg per dose level. K was administered at a constant dose of 200mg BID 1 day prior to each R dose then 200 mg QD on the next 3 consecutive days. Results: 34 subjects (median age 60 years) have been enrolled. The highest dose of R administered thus far was 5mg without DLT. Most frequent toxicities observed of any grade included hyperglycemia (41%), lymphopenia (35%), hyperlipidemia (35%), fatigue (29%), anemia (26%), anorexia (24%), and nausea (24%). Observed grade 3 toxicities included 2 patients with lymphopenia, 2 patients with elevated transaminases, and 1 patient each with emesis and hyperglycemia. One patient experienced grade 3 confusion likely due to a drug-drug interaction of K with concomitant psychotropic medications. PK analysis of the first 2 dose levels confirms that K significantly increases Cmax and AUC of R ( Table ). R Cmax (with K) averaged 22.5 (11.7) and 27.4 (7.9) (mean/SD) ng/ml at the 1 and 2 mg dose levels, respectively. R AUC (with K) averaged 408.9 (225.4) and 663.8 (201.8) (mean/SD) ng*h/ml at the 1 and 2 mg dose levels, respectively. Conclusions: Low dose weekly R plus K results in potentially efficacious concentrations, as demonstrated by classic mTOR inhibitor toxicity. Higher doses on this schedule without K are probably also feasible, but would have higher costs. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.