Immunotherapy for advanced bladder cancer

PhAse 1/2 StuDy of Modern ImmunotherApy in BCG-Unresponsive, BCG-RelaPsing, and High-Risk BCG-Naive Non-muscle Invasive UroThelial Carcinoma of the BLADDER

This study is testing a new immunotherapy drug called durvalumab to see if it can help people with advanced bladder cancer who haven't responded to standard treatment or are at high risk.

Quick facts

• Phase: Phase1; Phase2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 55 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Hoosier Cancer Research Network (Academic / other)
• Drugs / interventions: durvalumab, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, prednisone
• Locations: 12 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 11 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT03317158 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of durvalumab, an immunotherapy drug, in patients with non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder who are unresponsive to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment or are high-risk BCG-naive. The study includes multiple cohorts, with some receiving durvalumab alone and others receiving it in combination with external beam radiotherapy and chemotherapy agents like gemcitabine and docetaxel. Patient assignment to treatment cohorts is based on availability and site participation. The trial aims to establish a safe treatment protocol while monitoring for dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs).

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

Not a fit: Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer or those with significant comorbidities affecting treatment tolerance may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this trial could provide a new effective treatment option for patients with difficult-to-treat bladder cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with immunotherapy approaches in bladder cancer, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria (All Patients):

Subject must meet all of the following applicable criteria to participate in this study:

* Histologically confirmed non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (Ta, T1, or Tis stage) on TURBT obtained within 60 days of registration.

NOTE: Mixed histologies are permitted, provided a component of urothelial carcinoma is present. Patients with histologically confirmed non- muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (Ta, T1, or Tis stage) on prior TURBT who undergo re-resection of the tumor base to confirm the diagnosis and/or exclude the presence of muscle-invasive disease (T2 or greater) who do not have appreciable tumor in the re-resection TURBT are eligible to enroll provided their re-resection was obtained within 60 days of registration and they meet all other eligibility criteria.

* ECOG (WHO) performance status 0 or 1
* Age ≥ 18 years old at time of consent
* Adequate hematologic, hepatic, and renal function as defined by the following laboratory parameters:

  * White blood cell count (WBC) \> 3.0 K/mm3
  * Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1.5 K/mm3
  * Platelets ≥ 100 K/mm3
  * Hemoglobin (Hgb) ≥ 9 g/dL
  * Serum total bilirubin: ≤ 1.5 x ULN
  * ALT and AST ≤ 2.5 x ULN
  * Serum creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≥ 30 mL/min using the modified Cockcroft- Gault equation
* Subjects who give a written informed consent obtained according to local guidelines

Inclusion Criteria (Phase 1 Only):

In addition to the inclusion criteria required of all patients above, the following inclusion criteria are also required of patients enrolling to Phase 1 of the study.

• BCG-unresponsive disease defined by any of the following:

* Persistent or recurrent CIS with or without the presence of concurrent Ta or T1 tumors within 12 months of completion of adequate BCG therapy
* Recurrent high-grade Ta or T1 tumors within 6 months of completion of adequate BCG therapy.

NOTE: In recognition of the fact that procedure scheduling factors beyond the control of the patient or treating physician may cause unintended delays in disease evaluations, patients with pure papillary tumors (Ta or T1) with no components of CIS with recurrence documented within 9 months of completion of adequate BCG therapy who meet all other eligibility criteria may be considered for enrollment after consultation with the study chair.

* Persistent T1 high-grade tumors at the first disease evaluation (e.g. 3- month post-treatment evaluation) following an adequate BCG induction course
* Prostatic urethra involvement of NMIBC
* Adequate BCG therapy is defined as at least one of the following:

  * At least 5 of 6 doses of an initial induction BCG course plus at least 2 of 3 doses of maintenance therapy
  * At least 5 of 6 doses of an initial induction BCG course plus at least 2 of 6 doses of a second induction course.

NOTE: Patients with concurrent non-muscle invasive tumors (CIS, Ta, T1) in the prostatic urethra and/or concurrent non-invasive tumors (CIS, Ta) in the upper urinary tracts (ureter, renal pelvis) are permitted to enroll in Phase 1 of the study. Patients with concurrent T1 tumors in the upper urinary tracts (ureter, renal pelvis) are not eligible to enroll in Phase 1 of the study. Patients who have met the BCG-unresponsive criteria at any time point in their treatment history are permitted to enroll in Phase 1 of the study regardless of the time frame between their most recent BCG treatment administration and study registration dates.

Inclusion Criteria (Phase 2 Only):

In addition to the inclusion criteria required of all patients above, the following inclusion criteria are also required of patients enrolling to Phase 2 of the study.

• High-risk NMIBC defined according to modified EORTC risk criteria summarized as follows:

NOTE: Intermediate- and Low-risk tumors as defined below are not eligible. NOTE: Patients with concurrent non-muscle invasive tumors (CIS, Ta, T1) in the prostatic urethra are permitted to enroll in Phase 2 of the study. At least half of the subjects enrolled to each cohort must have a component of CIS present.

* Low-risk Tumors: Initial or recurrent tumor \> 12 months after resection with all of the following:

  \--- Solitary tumor

  \--- Low-grade
  * \< 3 cm
  * No CIS
* Intermediate-Risk Tumors

  \--- All tumors not defined in the two adjacent categories (between the category of low and high risk)
* High-risk Tumors. Any of the following:

  * T1 tumor
  * High-grade
  * CIS
  * Multiple and recurrent and large (\> 3 cm) Ta low-grade tumors (all conditions must be met for this point on Ta low-grade tumors)

    • BCG-unresponsive, BCG-relapsing, BCG-persistent, or high-risk BCG-naïve NMIBC defined as follows:

NOTE: Patients enrolling to phase 2 will enroll separately into a maximum of three expanded cohorts defined by the BCG exposure population eligibility criteria defined below (BCG-unresponsive, BCG-relapsing, BCG-persistent, and high-risk BCG-naïve). The three possible cohorts for each regimen expanded to phase 2 enrollment will be: BCG-unresponsive, BCG-relapsing and/or BCG-persistent (combined within a single cohort), and high-risk BCG-naïve. It is not anticipated that all three possible phase 2 expansion cohort populations will be pursued for every regimen entering phase 2 expansion. Questions regarding phase 2 expansion cohort populations and patient eligibility should be directed to the study chair. The individual eligibility for phase 2 expanded cohorts according to BCG exposure history are summarized below.

o BCG-unresponsive NMIBC phase 2 expanded cohort. BCG-unresponsive NMIBC is defined by any of the following:

* Persistent or recurrent CIS with or without the presence of concurrent Ta or T1 tumors within 12 months of completion of adequate BCG therapy
* Recurrent high-grade Ta or T1 tumors within 6 months of completion of adequate BCG therapy.

NOTE: In recognition of the fact that procedure scheduling factors beyond the control of the patient or treating physician may cause unintended delays in disease evaluations, patients with pure high-grade papillary tumors (Ta or T1) with no components of CIS with recurrence documented within 9 months of completion of adequate BCG therapy who meet all other eligibility criteria may be considered for enrollment after consultation with the study chair.

* Persistent T1 high-grade tumors at the first disease evaluation (e.g. 3-month post-treatment evaluation) following an adequate BCG induction course
* Prostatic urethra involvement of NMIBC o Adequate BCG therapy is defined as at least one of the following:
* At least 5 of 6 doses of an initial induction BCG course plus at least 2 of 3 doses of maintenance therapy
* At least 5 of 6 doses of an initial induction BCG course plus at least 2 of 6 doses of a second induction course

  * BCG-relapsing and/or BCG-persistent NMIBC phase 2 expanded Cohort. BCG-relapsing and/or BCG-persistent NMIBC is defined by either of the following:

    • BCG-relapsing NMIBC is defined as recurrent high-risk NMIBC after achievement of a complete response to BCG induction therapy which does not meet any of the BCG-unresponsive criteria outlined in the protocol.
  * BCG-persistent NMIBC is defined as persistent high-risk NMIBC at the first disease evaluation after initial BCG induction therapy (with no intervening achievement of complete response) for which a second course of BCG induction therapy is considered a standard of care (e.g. CIS or high grade Ta tumors) which does not meet any of the BCG-unresponsive criteria outlined in the protocol.
  * High-risk BCG-naive NMIBC cohort. High-risk BCG-naive NMIBC is defined as high-risk NMIBC in a patient that has never received intravesical BCG therapy. NOTE: Patients who satisfy the above definition of BCG-unresponsive NMIBC continue to be considered BCG-unresponsive regardless of the receipt of any intervening or additional non-BCG based intravesical therapies (e.g. chemotherapy, non-BCG investigational agents)

Primary Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion Criteria (All Patients):

* Subjects with muscle-invasive (i.e. T2, T3, T4) locally advanced unresectable, or metastatic urothelial carcinoma as assessed on baseline radiographic imaging obtained within 60 days prior to study registration. The required radiographic imaging includes:

  * Abdomen/Pelvis - CT scan
  * Chest - chest x-ray or CT scan
* Subjects with another active second malignancy other than non-melanoma skin cancers and biochemical relapsed prostate cancer. Subjects that have completed all necessary therapy and are considered to be at less than 30% risk of relapse are not considered to have an active second malignancy and are eligible for enrollment.
* Subjects who have received the last administration of an anti-cancer therapy including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and monoclonal antibodies ≤ 4 weeks prior to starting study drug, or who have not recovered from the side effects of such therapy.
* Any unresolved toxicity NCI CTCAE v4.03 for Cohorts 1-3 and v5.0 for cohorts 4-6 Grade ≥ 2 from previous anticancer therapy with the exception of alopecia, vitiligo, and the laboratory values defined in the inclusion criteria

  * Patients with Grade ≥ 2 neuropathy will be evaluated on a case-by- case basis after consultation with the sponsor-investigator.
  * Patients with irreversible toxicity not reasonably expected to be exacerbated by treatment with durvalumab may be included only after consultation with the sponsor-investigator.
* Subjects who have received prior therapy with PD-1, PD-L1, or CTLA-4 directed agents.
* Subjects who have had any prior radiation to the prostate or pelvis.

NOTE: The exclusion of patients who have had any prior radiation to the prostate or pelvis applies to both phase 1 and 2 of the trial only within radiation containing study regimens. Patients with a prior history of prostate or pelvic radiation who meet all other eligibility criteria may be considered for phase 1 and phase 2 enrollment to non-radiation containing study regimens after consultation with the study chair.

* Subjects who have undergone major surgery (e.g. intra-thoracic, intra- abdominal or intra-pelvic), open biopsy or significant traumatic injury ≤ 4 weeks prior to starting study drug, or subjects who have had minor procedures (i.e. TURBT), percutaneous biopsies or placement of vascular access device ≤ 1 week prior to starting study drug, or who have not recovered from side effects of such procedure or injury
* Subjects with any of the following concurrent severe and/or uncontrolled medical conditions which could compromise participation in the study:

  * Clinically significant cardiac diseases, including any of the following:

    * History or presence of serious uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmias
    * Clinically significant resting bradycardia
    * Any of the following within 3 months prior to starting study drug: myocardial infarction (MI), severe/unstable angina, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
    * Uncontrolled hypertension defined by a SBP ≥ 160 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥ 100 mm Hg, with or without anti-hypertensive medication(s)
  * Cirrhosis
  * Active Infection (includes chronic active and chronic persistent) --- Tuberculosis --- Hepatitis B (known positive HBV surface antigen (HbsAg). Patients with a past or resolved HBV infection (defined as the presence of hepatitis B core antibody \[anti-HBc\] and absence of HbsAg) are eligible

    \--- Hepatitis C. Patients positive for hepatitis C (HCV) antibody are eligible only if polymerase chain reaction is negative for HCV RNA.

    \--- Known diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/positive HIV 1/2 antibodies) infection (HIV testing is not mandatory)
  * Active or prior documented autoimmune or inflammatory disorders (including inflammatory bowel disease \[e.g., colitis or Crohn's disease\], diverticulitis \[with the exception of diverticulosis\], systemic lupus erythematosus, Sarcoidosis syndrome, or Wegener syndrome \[granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Graves' disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hypophysitis, uveitis, etc.\]). The following are exceptions to this criterion:

    \--- Patients with vitiligo or alopecia

    \--- Patients with hypothyroidism (e.g., following Hashimoto syndrome) stable on hormone replacement

    \--- Any chronic skin condition that does not require systemic therapy

    \--- Patients without active disease in the last 5 years may be included but only after consultation with the study physician

    \--- Patients with celiac disease controlled by diet alone
  * Other concurrent severe and/or uncontrolled concomitant medical conditions (e.g. active or uncontrolled infection, uncontrolled diabetes) that could cause unacceptable safety risks or compromise compliance with the protocol
* Current or prior use of immunosuppressive medication within 14 days before the first dose of durvalumab. The following are exceptions to this criterion:

  * Intranasal, inhaled, topical steroids, or local steroid injections (e.g., intra articular injection)
  * Systemic corticosteroids at physiologic doses not to exceed 10 mg/day of prednisone or its equivalent
  * Steroids as premedication for hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., CT scan premedication)
  * Usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) for the treatment of osteoarthritis and uric acid synthesis inhibitors for the treatment of gout are permitted. For questions, please consult the sponsor-investigator.
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women. Women of child-bearing potential must have a negative serum test ≤ 14 days prior to starting study drug.
* Women of child-bearing potential, who are biologically able to conceive, and not employing contraception as described in the protocol.
* Fertile males not willing to use contraception, as stated in the protocol.
* Subjects unwilling or unable to comply with the protocol
* Receipt of live attenuated vaccine within 30 days prior to the first dose of IP.

NOTE: Patients, if enrolled, should not receive live vaccine whilst receiving study drugs and up to 30 days after the last dose of study drug.

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs or any of the study drug excipients.

3.2.2 Exclusion Criteria (Cohorts 4 and 5 Only)

• Subjects who have received prior intravesical therapy with BOTH gemcitabine and docetaxel

NOTE: Patients who have received either intravesical gemcitabine or intravesical docetaxel (or other taxanes) but not both remain eligible. For example, patients receiving post-TURBT single dose intravesical gemcitabine administration are eligible. Similarly, patients treated with intravesical gemcitabine induction and/or maintenance are eligible. While we typically do not see patients treated with intravesical docetaxel (or other taxanes) monotherapy, if such a patient were identified and screened, they would be eligible. Patients who have received treatment with separate courses of intravesical gemcitabine monotherapy and intravesical docetaxel (or other taxanes) monotherapy are not eligible, unless such therapies occurred more than 24 months ago.

Exclusion Criteria (Phase 1 Only) In Phase 1 of the study, there are no additional exclusion criteria beyond those described of all patients above.

Exclusion Criteria (Phase 2 Only) In addition to the exclusion criteria described of all patients above, the following exclusion criteria apply to patients enrolling to Phase 2 of the study.

• Subjects with concurrent upper urinary tract (i.e. ureter, renal pelvis) high-grade urothelial carcinoma. NOTE: Subjects with concurrent low-grade non-invasive (Ta) upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma are eligible. Similarly, patients with a history of high-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma that has been definitively treated with at least one post-treatment disease assessment (i.e. cytology, biopsy, imaging) that demonstrates no evidence of residual disease are eligible.

Where this trial is running

Phoenix, Arizona and 11 other locations

• BCG Oncology — Phoenix, Arizona, United States (Terminated)
• Stanford University — Stanford, California, United States (Withdrawn)
• Rush University Medical Cneter — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Withdrawn)
• Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
• University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics — Iowa City, Iowa, United States (Recruiting)
• Johns Hopkins University: Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Withdrawn)
• Washington University School of Medicine — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
• University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, Nebraska, United States (Recruiting)
• Columbia University Irving Medical Center — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States (Active_not_recruiting)
• Fox Chase Cancer Center — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Noah M. Hahn, MD — Hoosier Cancer Research Network
• Study coordinator: Noah Hahn, MD

Conditions Urothelial Carcinoma; Bladder Cancer; non-muscle invasive bladder cancer; BCG; immunotherapy