Combining azacitidine and enasidenib for treating IDH2-mutant myelodysplastic syndrome

Targeted Therapy With the IDH2-Inhibitor Enasidenib (AG221) for High-Risk IDH2-Mutant Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Phase 2 Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT03383575

This study is testing if combining two medications, azacitidine and enasidenib, can help people with IDH2-mutant myelodysplastic syndrome feel better and live longer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment63 (estimated)
Ages12 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03383575 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of azacitidine and enasidenib in patients with IDH2-mutant myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The study aims to determine how well these drugs work together in patients who have not previously received hypomethylating agents, as well as in those who have relapsed after such treatments. Participants will be monitored for overall survival, event-free survival, and changes in molecular markers during treatment. The trial also includes assessments of quality of life specific to MDS patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with a confirmed diagnosis of IDH2-mutant myelodysplastic syndrome who have not previously received hypomethylating agents.

Not a fit: Patients with MDS who do not have an IDH2 mutation or those who have previously been treated with hypomethylating agents may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment combination could provide a new effective option for patients with IDH2-mutant myelodysplastic syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar combinations of targeted therapies and hypomethylating agents in treating myelodysplastic syndromes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Signed, informed consent must be obtained prior to any study specific procedures
* Subjects with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of MDS, including both MDS and refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-T) (acute myeloid leukemia \[AML\] with 20-30% blasts and multilineage dysplasia by French-American-British \[FAB\] criteria) by World Health Organization (WHO), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) are eligible
* Subjects must have an IDH2 gene mutation (IDH2-R140 or R172) as determined by local laboratory result
* (Arm A only): Subject must be hypomethylating agent naive (i.e. prior azacitidine, decitabine, SGI-110 is exclusionary). Receipt of other MDS-directed therapy such as lenalidomide is allowed
* (Arm A only): Subjects with high-risk MDS (i.e. International Prostate Symptom Score \[IPSS\] intermediate-2 or high-risk; or revised \[R\]-IPSS high or very-high risk). Patients with intermediate-1 risk by IPSS or intermediate risk by R-IPSS with high-risk molecular features including TP53, ASXL1, EZH2, and/or RUNX1 mutations are also eligible
* (Arm B only): Subject must be relapsed or refractory to prior hypomethylating agent therapy, defined as prior receipt of 6 cycles of HMA therapy with failure to attain a response, or relapse after prior response to HMA therapy
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-2
* Serum bilirubin =\< 2 x the upper limit of normal (ULN) (except for patients with Gilbert's disease)
* Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) =\< 3 x the laboratory ULN
* Serum creatinine =\< 2 x the ULN
* Able to understand and voluntarily sign a written informed consent, and willing and able to comply with protocol requirements
* Resolution of all clinically significant treatment-related, non-hematological toxicities, except alopecia, from any previous cancer therapy to =\< grade 1 prior to the first dose of study treatment
* Female patients of childbearing potential must have a negative serum or urine pregnancy test within 7 days of the first dose of study drug and agree to use dual methods of contraception during the study and for a minimum of 3 months following the last dose of study drug. Post-menopausal females (\> 45 years old and without menses for \> 1 year) and surgically sterilized females are exempt from these requirements. Male patients must use an effective barrier method of contraception during the study and for a minimum of 3 months following the last dose of study drug if sexually active with a female of childbearing potential

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any prior or coexisting medical condition that in the investigator's judgment will substantially increase the risk associated with the subject's participation in the study
* Subject has received a prior targeted IDH2 inhibitor
* Psychiatric disorders or altered mental status precluding understanding of the informed consent process and/or completion of the necessary study procedures
* Active uncontrolled infection at study enrollment including known diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus or chronic active hepatitis B or C infection
* Clinically significant gastrointestinal conditions or disorders that may interfere with study drug absorption, including prior gastrectomy
* Patients with known active central nervous system (CNS) disease, including leptomeningeal involvement
* Impaired cardiac function, uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia, or clinically significant cardiac disease including the following: a) New York Heart Association grade III or IV congestive heart failure, b) myocardial infarction within the last 6 months
* Subjects with a corrected QT (QTc) \> 480 ms (QTc \> 510 msec for subjects with a bundle branch block at baseline
* Nursing or pregnant women
* Subjects with known hypersensitivity to study drugs or their excipients

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acute Myeloid LeukemiaBlasts 20-30 Percent of Bone Marrow Nucleated CellsChronic Myelomonocytic LeukemiaIDH2 Gene MutationMyelodysplastic Syndrome With Excess BlastsRecurrent High Risk Myelodysplastic SyndromeRefractory High Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.