PBMC-based Leukocyte Immunotherapy
brief summary
This is an open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation Phase Ib trial of APN401, a suspension of viable Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) from an individual patient that have been transfected with a small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) to reduce Cbl-b expression. Twelve evaluable participants with advanced solid tumors will be assessed. The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of APN401 and to determine the Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D) of APN401. The secondary objective is to collect preliminary data on the clinical efficacy of APN401. Participants will receive up to four APN401 treatments via intravenous infusion at 3-weekly intervals. Participants, who have completed four treatment cycles and a safety follow-up, will be contacted by telephone to evaluate survival status at 6 and 12 months after start of treatment.
detailed description
APN401 is a suspension of autologous Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs), transiently transfected with an siRNA to reduce Cbl-b protein levels. The administration of autologous Cbl-b silenced PBMCs to the patient will promote activation of both adaptive and innate immune mechanisms targeting tumor cells; along these lines APN401 is assumed to demonstrate significant improvement in cancer immune therapy. In addition, silencing of Cbl-b in the context of cellular therapeutics has potential to reduce mortality rates for patients with advanced cancers.
This is an open-label, single-arm trial to be conducted with up to twelve patients at four hospitals in Austria, Europe. Two dose levels of APN401 are evaluated using a Bayesian Optimal Interval (BOIN) study design with accelerated titration:
* Dose Level/Cohort 1: 1.5x10\^7 PBMCs/kg * Dose Level/Cohort 2: 4.5x10\^7 PBMCs/kg
Dose escalation requires at least one patient to be treated and observed for at least three weeks after the first dose. The BOIN method will be used to guide the dose level assignment and estimate the MTD/RP2D based on cumulative information on DLTs in Cycle 1 of treatment (i.e. 3 weeks after first dose).
Patients with advanced solid tumors first undergo screening procedures during a 28-day time window between giving consent and starting APN401 treatment. Eligible patients are treated with up to four APN401 infusions. During each treatment cycle, patients undergo leukapheresis on the first day and APN401 infusion on the second day (i.e., D0/D1; D21/D22; D42/D43; D63/D64). During the subsequent follow-up phase, patients participate a safety-follow up 3 weeks post last APN401 dose and are contacted by telephone to evaluate survival status at 6 and 12 months after start of treatment. Tumor imagings to evaluate the efficacy of APN401 treatment are scheduled during the screening phase (baseline imaging), and prior to treatment Cycle 3 and the last Safety Follow-up.
official title
An Open-label, Multi-center, Dose-escalation Phase Ib Study to Determine the Recommended Phase 2 Dose of APN401 in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors