Phase I study combining olaparib and tremelimumab for the treatment of women with BRCA-deficient recurrent ovarian cancer.
e17052 Background: With evidence that BRCA dysfunction is associated with increased T cell recruitment to tumor sites, and that PARP-inhibition may increase the immunogenicity of tumor cells, we evaluated the combination of a PARP-inhibitor and CTLA4 immune checkpoint antibody in BRCA1- ovarian cancer models. Our results demonstrated significant therapeutic synergy and durable treatment responses in preclinical studies. Based on this, a Phase I study was conducted to assess the tolerability of this regimen in women with BRCA mutation-associated recurrent ovarian cancer. Methods: Eligibility criteria included a documented BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutations and a diagnosis of recurrent ovarian, tubal, or primary peritoneal cancer with measurable disease. Both platinum-sensitive and platinum resistant patients were eligible. Patients with prior exposure to PARP-inhibitors or to immune therapy with the exception of CTLA4 antibodies were also eligible. Exclusion criteria included current use of anti-inflammatory agents or a prior history of autoimmune disease. Treatment consisted of Olaparib at 300mg twice daily, as well as monthly infusions of Tremelimumab at a dose of 10mg/kg, with plans for a dose reduction if toxicity was encountered. Patients completing two full treatment cycles were evaluated for evidence of toxicity, particularly immune-related adverse events, to define a dose for Phase II testing. Results: Three women were treated at the starting dose of 300mg BID of Olaparib and 10mg/kg monthly of Tremelimumab for two cycles without evidence of any dose-limiting toxicities or grade 3 adverse events. All patients experienced grade 1 and 2 toxicities, including immune related toxicities consistent with prior studies of immune checkpoint inhibitors. All three patients showed evidence of treatment response by cycle 3 based on CA125 levels and a decrease in tumor size on CT scans. Conclusions: The combination of PARP-inhibition and CTLA-4 blockade is tolerable in heavily pre-treated women with recurrent BRCA-associated ovarian cancer. Preliminary results also demonstrate evidence of therapeutic effect, supporting ongoing evaluation of this regimen in Phase II trials. Clinical trial information: NCT02571725.