Phase II clinical trial of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) followed by sunitinib for the treatment of high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
293 Background: We conducted a phase II trial to evaluate combination therapy with intravesical BCG + sunitinib for prevention of recurrence and progression of NMIBC. Methods: Patients with high-grade clinical ≤ T1N0M0 NMIBC without BCG in the past year were eligible and received induction BCG followed 2 weeks later by 28 days of sunitinib (50mg). The primary endpoint was 3 month complete response (CR) by biopsy and cytology. Patients with incomplete response were eligible for a second cycle of BCG + sunitinib. Secondary endpoints included 2-year recurrence and progression-free survival (RFS, PFS). Toxicity was graded according to the NCI CTCAE v.3.0. The Simon Minimax 2-stage study had 80% power with a 5% type I error assuming a 3m CR of 75% with sunitinib + BCG compared to 55% with BCG alone. If ≥ 25/36 evaluable patients achieved a 3m CR, then the treatment would be considered for further study. Binomial proportions, confidence intervals and Kaplan-Meier estimates are reported. Results: Of 36 evaluable patients, median age was 65.9 years (IQR 59-72). Initial stage was T1 (19), Ta (9), and CIS (8). Thirty-six percent completed sunitinib without interruption. Treatment was delayed (median 12 days (IQR 9-16)) and dose was reduced to 37.5 mg in 13 patients. One patient had reduction to 25mg with re-escalation to 37.5mg. One patient completed a 2nd cycle of BCG + sunitinib for incomplete response. BCG maintenance therapy was given to 21 patients. Of 133 adverse events in 34/36 patients, 6 (4.5%) in 5 patients were ≥ grade 3: thrombocytopenia, diarrhea (2), shingles, extremity rash/pain and hand + foot syndrome. CR at 3m included 26/36 (72%, 95% CI[55,86]) reaching the primary endpoint. The patient who completed a 2nd cycle of BCG induction and sunitinib had CR at 6 months. 2y RFS (patients with intact bladder) was 77% (95% CI[58,88]) and 2y PFS was 100%. Conclusions: The primary endpoint of the study of 25 3m CR has been reached. Combined treatment with BCG + sunitinib is associated with low rates of recurrence and progression. Adverse effects were common and frequent but few were serious. BCG + sunitinib may produce outcomes superior to BCG alone. (Study supported by Pfizer, Inc) Clinical trial information: NCT00794950.