A phase I/II randomized trial using GM-CSF-producing and CD40L-expressing bystander cell line (GM.CD40L) vaccine in combination with CCL21 in stage IV lung adenocarcinoma: Preliminary results.
3091 Background: Our GM.CD40L vaccine (an allogeneic tumor cell-based vaccine generated from human bystander cell line) recruits and activates dendritic cells, which then migrate to regional lymph nodes, where T cell activation occurs, leading to systemic tumor cell killing. The CCL21 chemokine helps to recruit T cells and leads to enhanced T cell responses. The GM.CD40L.CCL21 combination has demonstrated additive effects in NSCLC mouse models. Methods: We initiated a phase I/II randomized study to evaluate GM.CD40L (Arm A) vs. GM.CD40L.CCL21 (Arm B) in patients with lung adenocarcinoma who had failed first-line therapy. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability of Arm B in phase I and progression-free survival (PFS) in phase II; secondary endpoints included anti-tumor immune responses/T-cell responses by ELISpot assay on PBMC. Immune-related response criteria as determined by the investigator served to determine discontinuation from study treatment. Intradermal vaccines were administered every 14 days for 3 doses and then monthly X3. A two-stage minimax design was used. Results: In phase I, 3 patients received GM.CD40L.CCL21; no dose-limiting toxicities occurred. Between 4/2012 and 12/2012, Arm A enrolled 11 and Arm B enrolled 16 patients, including those in phase I (median age: 70/67.5 years, females: 45.5%/37.5%, PS1: 54.5%/75%, median prior regimens: 3/5 for Arm A vs. Arm B, respectively). Most common toxicities for Arm A vs. Arm B were injection site reaction (45.5%/43.8%), fatigue (9.1%/37.5%), anorexia (0%/12.5%), and pain in extremity (0%/12.5%). Median PFS for Arm A vs. B was 4.4 vs. 4.4 months (p=0.37). Of the 6 patients who remained on study post RECIST v1.1 progression, all demonstrated further progression on subsequent scans and were removed from the study. Of patients evaluable for efficacy, stable disease was 3/7 and progressive disease was 6/7 for Arm A vs. Arm B, respectively. Analyses of ELISpot assay on the PBMC are underway. Conclusions: GM.CD40L.CCL21 vaccine is well tolerated; thus far, median PFS results are similar to GM.CD40L vaccine. Updated results of the phase II trial will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT01433172.