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  • Title: A phase I trial combining carboplatin/doxorubicin with tocilizumab, an anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibody, and interferon-α2b in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.
    Author: Dijkgraaf EM, Santegoets SJ, Reyners AK, Goedemans R, Wouters MC, Kenter GG, van Erkel AR, van Poelgeest MI, Nijman HW, van der Hoeven JJ, Welters MJ, van der Burg SH, Kroep JR.
    Journal: Ann Oncol; 2015 Oct; 26(10):2141-9. PubMed ID: 26216383.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: The immune system is important in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Interleukin-6 is associated with chemoresistance and an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. We investigated whether a combination of chemotherapeutics, blockade of interleukin 6 (IL-6) receptor (IL-6R; tocilizumab), and immune enhancer interferon-α (Peg-Intron) is feasible, safe, and able to enhance immunity in patients with recurrent EOC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this dose-escalation study, patients received tocilizumab 1, 2, 4, or 8 mg/kg i.v., q4 weeks during the first three cycles of carboplatin (AUC5) plus doxorubicin [pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) 30 mg/m(2) or doxorubicin 50 mg/m(2) i.v., day 1, q4 weeks, for six cycles]. At the highest tocilizumab dose (8 mg/kg), Peg-Intron (1 µg/kg s.c.) was added. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected for immunomonitoring at baseline, after three and six cycles. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), CA-125, and radiologic response were evaluated. RESULTS: In the 23 patients enrolled, no DLT was established. The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events (CTCAE v4.03) were neutropenia (23%), febrile neutropenia (19%), and ileus (19%). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Using CT evaluation, 11 of 21 assessable patients responded, 6 had stable disease and 3 progressive disease. Patients receiving highest dose tocilizumab showed a functional blockade of IL-6R with increased levels of serum IL-6 (P = 0.02) and soluble IL-6R (P = 0.008). Consequently, immune cells displayed decreased levels of pSTAT3, myeloid cells produced more IL-12 and IL-1β while T cells were more activated and secreted higher amounts of effector cytokines interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. An increase in sIL-6R was potentially associated with a survival benefit (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Functional IL-6R blocking is feasible and safe in EOC patients treated with carboplatin/(pegylated liposomal)doxorubicin, using 8 mg/kg tocilizumab. This combination is recommended for phase II evaluation based on immune parameters. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTER: NCT01637532.
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