Phase II randomized trial of first-line pembrolizumab and vorinostat in patients with metastatic NSCLC (mNSCLC).

 

Abstract No : 9567

Abstract Type : Poster Session

Indication : Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Intervention : Pembrolizumab and vorinostat

Company : Merck, Other Government Agency

Technology : Monoclonal antibody

 

Results:

Results: Between 7/2017 – 1/2019, 49 pts were enrolled, with 47 pts evaluable for response (24 in Arm A and 23 in Arm B). Median age was 69 (range 47 - 87), 49% female, ECOG PS 0/1 in 11%/89%. PDL1 TPS was $50% in 13/24 (54%) of pts in Arm A, and in 13/23 (57%) of pts in Arm B. The most common TRAEs in Arm A included diarrhea (13%), fatigue (8%), and pruritus (8%). 3 pts in Arm A experienced grade $ 3 irAEs (including 1 each of grade 3 hepatitis, pneumonitis, and rash). The most common TRAEs in Arm B included anorexia (43%), fatigue (43%), nausea (35%) and increased creatinine (35%). 1 pt in Arm B experienced grade $ 3 irAE (1grade 3 pneumonitis). Pre-treatment CD8+ TIL were not significantly different between Arm A and Arm B (p = 0.85) with the majority of tumors in both arms having a low TIL score of 1 (65% Arm A and 73.7% Arm B). A significant increase from pre-treatment to on-treatment TIL scores was seen in both Arm A (p = 0.001) and Arm B (p =0.002). The ORR in Arm B pts with low pre-treatment TIL (score = 1) pts was substantially higher (66.7%) than in Arm A (33.3%), suggesting the combination may be especially beneficial against low TIL tumors.

 

Conclusion:

The combination arm had a considerably higher ORR compared to pembrolizumab monotherapy, with a manageable toxicity profile. The combination of pembrolizumab plus vorinostat in mNSCLC warrants further investigation.

 

Commentary:

Interim analysis data showed that pembrolizumab and vorinostat had a considerably higher ORR compared to pembrolizumab monotherapy, with a manageable toxicity profile.

The therapeutics segment is experiencing significant NSCLC clinical trial activity, which is further expected to drive Non-Small Cell Lung Caner market growth in the coming years.

Refer to Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Market report for detailed Insights.