Safety of BXCL701, a small molecule inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidases (DPP), with pembrolizumab, (pembro, anti-PD-1) monoclonal antibody, in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

140 Background: BXCL701 (talabostat previously PT100) is an oral small molecule inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidases (DPP) specifically DPP4, DPP8 and DPP9, which trigger macrophage cell death via pyroptosis resulting in proinflammatory stimulation of the innate immunity pathway. BXCL701 also inhibits fibroblast activation protein (FAP) releasing the FAP-mediated block of T-cell migration into the tumor. Expression of PD-L1 correlates with amplification of DPP8 and DPP9. In syngeneic animal models, significant tumor responses were observed when BXCL701 was used with checkpoint inhibition. Methods: A phase 1b, multicenter study was undertaken. Eligible patients (pts) had progressing mCRPC (PCWG3), at least 1 line of systemic therapy and ≤ 2 lines of cytotoxic chemotherapy for mCRPC, no prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or other T-cell directed anti-cancer therapy, and an ECOG PS of ≤ 2. Pts received fixed dose pembro (200mg IV q21 days) with escalating doses of BXCL701 (0.4mg and 0.6mg PO QD days 1-14 of 21-day cycles) using a 3 X 3 design. The key endpoints were safety and identification of the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for the combination. Composite response (RECIST, PSA, CTC) was also assessed. Results: 3 pts were treated at the initial dose level for at least 4 cycles. All pts remain on treatment. No DLT or SAEs were reported. Grade 3 treatment related adverse events (TRAE) were limited to thrombocytopenia with transfusion in 1 pt. The only TRAE reported in more than one pt was hypocalcemia (2 pts). Safety assessment of BXCL701+pembro is ongoing at the final dose escalation cohort. As DPP9 is amplified in approximately 17% of treatment associated small cell/neuroendocrine prostate cancer (tSCNC) compared to 5% or less in the broader prostate cancer population, the Phase 2 portion of this study will be limited to patients with evidence of t-SCNC or de novo SCNC, an aggressive phenotype with poor outcomes. Conclusions: BXCL701 0.4mg QD on days 1 to 14 of 21-day cycle plus pembrolizumab 200 mg IV on day 1 every 21 days is safe in pts with mCRPC. The final dose escalation supporting RP2D will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT03910660.