A PK, Safety and Tolerability Study of Peripheral and Central Infusion of Melflufen in RRMM Patients (PORT)

A Randomized, Two-period, Cross-over, Phase 2 Study, Comparing Pharmacokinetics, and Assessing Safety and Tolerability of Peripheral and Central i.v. Administration of Melphalan Flufenamide (Melflufen) in RRMM Patients

This is a randomized, two-period, cross-over Phase 2 study, comparing PK, and assessing safety and tolerability and efficacy of peripheral and central intravenous administration of melflufen in patients with RRMM. It is an international study, enrolling patients in US and Europe. The study will enroll patients following at least 2 lines of prior therapy.

Study Overview

• Status: Terminated
• Conditions: RRMM
• Intervention / Treatment: Drug: Dexamethasone; Drug: Melphalan

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 27
• Phase: Phase 2

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Bulgaria
  • Sofia, Bulgaria
    • Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Hematological Diseases, Sofia
  • Varna, Bulgaria
    • Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment "Sveta Marina", Varna
• Czechia
  • Brno, Czechia, 62500
    • University Hospital Brno, Clinic of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology
  • Olomouc, Czechia, 77900
    • University Hospital Olomouc, Clinic of Hemato-Oncology
• Hungary
  • Budapest, Hungary
    • Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Budapest, Hungary
    • Semmelweis University, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine
• Ukraine
  • Dnipro, Ukraine
    • Public Non-Profit Enterprise "City Clinical Hospital #4" under Dnipro City Council, Regional Hematology Center
  • Kyiv, Ukraine
    • Public Non-Profit Enterprise "Kyiv City Clinical Hospital #9" under the Executive Body of Kyiv City Council, Hematology Department #1
  • Lviv, Ukraine
    • Institute of Blood Pathology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Hematology with Laboratory Group
• United States
  • California
    • Glendale, California, United States, 91204
      • The Oncology Institute of Hope & Innovation - Glendale

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female, age 18 years or older
2. Capable of giving signed informed consent as described in Appendix 1 which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the informed consent form (ICF) and in this protocol;
3. A prior diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) with documented disease progression in need of treatment at time of screening;

4. Measurable disease defined as any of the following:

   • Serum monoclonal protein ≥ 0.5 g/dL by serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP)
   • ≥ 200 mg/24hr of monoclonal protein in the 24hour urine collection by electrophoresis (UPEP)
   • Serum free light chain (SFLC) ≥ 10 mg/dL AND abnormal serum kappa to lambda free light chain (FLC) ratio
5. Received at least 2 prior lines of therapy and is refractory to an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) and a proteasome inhibitor (PI). The definition of refractory includes intolerance to an IMiD/PI after at least two 28-day cycles of therapy, see Appendix 10 and Appendix 8.
6. Adequate peripheral arm veins for repeated intravenous infusions
7. Life expectancy of ≥ 6 months;
8. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 2, see Appendix 6. Patients with ECOG performance status > 2 solely based on bone pain secondary to MM may be eligible following consultation and approval of medical monitor;
9. 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) with QT interval calculated by Fridericia Formula (QTcF) interval of ≤ 470 msec, see Appendix 11;

10. Adequate organ function with the following laboratory results during screening (within 21 days) and immediately before study treatment administration on Cycle 1 Day 1:

    • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1,000 cells/mm³ (1.0 x 10⁹/L) (Growth factors cannot be used within 10 days (14 days for pegfilgrastim) prior to initiation of study treatment)
    • Platelet count ≥ 75,000 cells/ mm³ (75 x 10⁹/L) (without transfusions during the 10 days prior to initiation of therapy)
    • Hemoglobin ≥ 8.0 g/dL (Red blood cell [RBC] transfusions are permitted)
    • Total Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN), except patients diagnosed with Gilbert's syndrome that have been reviewed and approved by the Medical Monitor
    • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) ≤ 3.0 x ULN
    • Renal function: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula of ≥ 45 mL/min, see Appendix 12.
11. Must have or be willing to have an acceptable central catheter (Port a Cath, peripherally inserted central catheter [PICC] line, or central venous catheter [CVC]) and a PVC;
12. a) Male patients: A male patient is eligible if he agrees to use contraception as detailed in Appendix 4 of this protocol during the treatment period and for at least 3 months after the last dose of study treatment and refrains from donating sperm during this period b) Female patients: A female patient is eligible to participate if she is not pregnant, not breastfeeding, and at least one of the following conditions applies: I. Not a woman of childbearing potential (WOCBP) as defined in Appendix 4 or II. A WOCBP who agrees to follow the contraceptive guidance in Appendix 4 during the treatment period and for at least 28 days after the last dose of study treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Primary refractory disease (i.e. never responded with at least minimal response [MR] to any prior therapy);
2. Evidence of mucosal and/or internal bleeding or platelet transfusion refractory (platelet count fails to increase by > 10,000 cells/mm³ after a transfusion of an appropriate dose of platelets);
3. Any medical conditions that, in the Investigator's opinion, would impose excessive risk to the patient or would adversely affect his/her participating in this study. Examples of such conditions are: a significant history of cardiovascular disease (e.g., myocardial infarction, significant cardiac conduction system abnormalities, uncontrolled hypertension, ≥ Grade 3 thromboembolic event in the last 6 months);
4. Known active infection that is uncontrolled or has required intravenous systemic therapy within 14 days of randomization. Patients that have required oral anti-infective treatment within 14 days of randomization should be discussed with the Medical Monitor;
5. Other malignancy diagnosed or requiring treatment within the past 3 years with the exception of adequately treated basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell skin cancer, carcinoma in-situ of the cervix or breast or very low and low risk prostate cancer in active surveillance;
6. Pregnant or breast-feeding females;
7. Serious psychiatric illness, active alcoholism, or drug addiction that may hinder or confuse compliance or follow-up evaluation;
8. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or active hepatitis B or C viral infection;
9. Concurrent known or suspected amyloidosis or plasma cell leukemia;
10. POEMS syndrome (plasma cell dyscrasia with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein and skin changes);
11. Known central nervous system (CNS) or meningeal involvement of myeloma

12. Any of the following treatments, within the specified timeframe

    • Previous cytotoxic therapies, including cytotoxic investigational agents, for MM within 3 weeks (6 weeks for nitrosoureas) prior to initiation of therapy.
    • The use of live vaccines within 30 days before initiation of therapy.
    • IMiDs, PIs and or corticosteroids within 2 weeks prior to initiation of therapy.
    • Other investigational therapies and monoclonal antibodies within 4 weeks of initiation of therapy.
    • Prednisone up to but no more than 10 mg orally q.d. or its equivalent for symptom management of comorbid conditions is permitted but dose should be stable for at least 7 days prior to initiation of therapy.

    Other washout times may be considered following consultation with the medical monitor.

13. Residual side effects to previous therapy > Grade 1 prior to initiation of therapy (Alopecia any grade and/or neuropathy Grade 1 without pain are permitted);
14. Prior stem cell transplant (autologous and/or allogenic) within 6 months of initiation of therapy;
15. Prior allogeneic stem cell transplantation with active graft-versus-host-disease;
16. Prior major surgical procedure or radiation therapy within 4 weeks of the initiation of therapy (this does not include limited course of radiation used for management of bone pain within 7 days of initiation of therapy);
17. Known intolerance to the required dose and schedule of steroid therapy, as determined by the investigator;
18. Known hypersensitivity reaction to melphalan, melflufen or its excipients
19. Prior treatment with melflufen

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Arm A; Melflufen 40 mg iv Day 1 of each 28 day cycle. Dexamethasone 40 mg po Day 1,8, 15 and 22 of each 28 day cycle, if > 75 years of age 20 mg. Cycle 1 will be administered via a Peripheral Venous Catheter (PVC) and cycle 2 and onwards melflufen will be administered via a Central Venous Catheter (CVC).	Drug: Dexamethasone; Oral tablets; Drug: Melphalan; Peripheral versus central administration; Other Names: melflufen flufenamide
Active Comparator: Arm B; Melflufen 40 mg iv Day 1 of each 28 day cycle. Dexamethasone 40 mg po Day 1,8, 15 and 22 of each 28 day cycle, if > 75 years of age 20 mg. Cycle 1 will be administered via a Central Venous Catheter (CVC) and cycle 2 will be administered via a Peripheral Venous Catheter (PVC). From cycle 3 and onwards melflufen will be administered via CVC.	Drug: Dexamethasone; Oral tablets; Drug: Melphalan; Peripheral versus central administration; Other Names: melflufen flufenamide

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Peak Plasma Concentration for Melphalan	To evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) variable Cmax of melphalan after central and peripheral intravenous infusion of melflufen.	Cycle 1 Day 1 and Cycle 2 Day 1. Samples were collected 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes after the start of the infusion; immediately before the end of the infusion; and 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes and 1, 2, and 4 hours after the end of the infusion.
Area Under the Plasma Concentration Versus Time Curve AUC(0-t) of Melphalan	To evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) variable AUC(0-t) of melphalan after central and peripheral intravenous infusion of melflufen.	Cycle 1 Day 1 and Cycle 2 Day 1. Samples were collected 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes after the start of the infusion; immediately before the end of the infusion; and 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes and 1, 2, and 4 hours after the end of the infusion.
Area Under the Plasma Concentration Versus Time Curve AUC(0-inf) of Melphalan	To evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) variable AUC(0-inf) of melphalan after central and peripheral intravenous infusion of melflufen	Cycle 1 Day 1 and Cycle 2 Day 1. Samples were collected 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes after the start of the infusion; immediately before the end of the infusion; and 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes and 1, 2, and 4 hours after the end of the infusion.
Number of Participants With Local Reactions Including Phlebitis at Infusion Site After Peripheral Intravenous Administration	Assessment of the local tolerability of peripheral intravenous administration of melflufen using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) scale. The VIP scale provides a score from 0 to 5, noting an ascending order of severity of inflammation. A score of 0 is the lowest possible score, meaning no inflammation detected, and 5 is the highest score, indicating the most severe reaction.	15 minutes and 4 hours after peripheral intravenous administration, pre- and post-infusion on Day 1 and Day 8

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Peak Plasma Concentration for Melflufen and Desethyl-melflufen	To evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) variable Cmax of melflufen and desethyl-melflufen after central and peripheral intravenous infusion of melflufen.	Cycle 1 Day 1 and Cycle 2 Day 1 - 13 PK samples during and post infusion (28 days cycle)
Area Under the Plasma Concentration Versus Time Curve AUC(0-t) of Melflufen and Desethyl-melflufen	To evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) variable AUC(0-t) of melflufen and desethyl-melflufen after central and peripheral intravenous infusion of melflufen	Cycle 1 Day 1 and Cycle 2 Day 1 - 13 PK samples during and post infusion (28 days cycle)
Area Under the Plasma Concentration Versus Time Curve AUC(0-inf) of Melflufen and Desethyl-melflufen	To evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) variable AUC(0-inf) of melflufen and desethyl-melflufen after central and peripheral intravenous infusion of melflufen	Cycle 1 Day 1 and Cycle 2 Day 1 - 13 PK samples during and post infusion (28 days cycle)
Elimination Half-life (t1/2) of Melflufen, Melphalan and Desethyl-melflufen	To evaluate elimination half-life (t½) for melflufen, melphalan and desethyl-melflufen after central and peripheral intravenous infusion of melflufen.	Cycle 1 Day 1 and Cycle 2 Day 1 - 13 measurements during and post infusion (28 days cycle)
Frequency of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) by MedDRA SOC and PT	To assess safety and general tolerability of melflufen by collecting non-serious Adverse Events (AEs) from the start of study treatment until 30 days after the last dose of any study drug (melflufen or dexamethasone) or initiation of subsequent therapy whichever occurred first. Serious AEs (SAEs) were collected from the time the subject signed the ICF until 30 days after the last dose of any study drug (melflufen or dexamethasone) or initiation of subsequent therapy whichever occurred first.	Median treatment durations for Arm A and Arm B were 29.14 weeks and 12.14 weeks, respectively. The AE reporting period is estimated to be 30 days longer.
Best Response (Stringent Complete Response (sCR), Complete Response (CR), Very Good Partial Response (VGPR), Partial Response (PR), Minimal Response (MR), Stable Disease (SD) or Progressive Disease (PD)	To assess best response during the study with the criteria established by the International Myeloma Working Group Uniform Response Criteria (IMWG-URC) for sCR, CR, VGPR, PR, SD and PD	From initiation of therapy until disease progression. Median treatment durations for Arm A and Arm B were 29.14 weeks and 12.14 weeks, respectively.
ORR	To assess overall response rate (ORR), including CR/sCR, VGPR and PR, during the study with the criteria established by the IMWG-URC.	From initiation of therapy until disease progression. Maximum treatment durations for Arm A and Arm B were 68.4 and 59.0 weeks, respectively.
CBR	To assess clinical benefit rate (CBR), i.e., proportion of patients that achieve a confirmed minimal response or better (sCR, CR, VGPR, PR and MR), during the study with the criteria established by the IMWG-URC.	To be assessed at the end of study drug treatment. Maximum treatment durations for Arm A and Arm B were 68.4 and 59.0 weeks, respectively.
DOR	To assess duration of response (DOR): the time in months from the first evidence of confirmed assessment of sCR, CR, VGPR, or PR to first confirmed disease progression according to the criteria established by the IMWG-URC or to death due to any cause. DOR is defined only for patients with a confirmed PR or better.	From confirmed response until disease progression. Maximum treatment durations for Arm A and Arm B were 68.4 and 59.0 weeks, respectively.
DOCB	To assess duration of clinical benefit (DOCB) in patients with stringent complete response (sCR), complete response (CR), very good partial response (VGPR), PR, or MR during the study with the criteria established by the IMWG-URC.	From first evidence of confirmed assessment of sCR, CR, VGPR, PR or MR to first confirmed disease progression, or to death due to any cause. Maximum treatment durations for Arm A and Arm B were 68.4 and 59.0 weeks, respectively.
TTR	To assess time to response (TTR) in patients with PR or better during the study with the criteria established by the UMWG-URC.	From initiation of therapy until documented disease response. Maximum treatment durations for Arm A and Arm B were 68.4 and 59.0 weeks, respectively.
TTP	To assess time to progression (TTP) during the study with the criteria established by the IMWG-URC.	From date of randomization until documented disease progression. Maximum treatment durations for Arm A and Arm B were 68.4 and 59.0 weeks, respectively.
TTNT	To assess time to next treatment (TTNT)	From randomization to the date of next anti-myeloma treatment. Maximum treatment durations for Arm A and Arm B were 68.4 and 59.0 weeks, respectively.
PFS	To assess progression free survival (PFS)	From initiation of therapy until documented disease progression or initiation of new therapy. Maximum treatment durations for Arm A and Arm B were 68.4 and 59.0 weeks, respectively.
Grade 3/4 Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs)	To assess safety and general tolerability of melflufen by collecting non-serious Adverse Events (AEs) from the start of study treatment until 30 days after the last dose of any study drug (melflufen or dexamethasone) or initiation of subsequent therapy whichever occurred first. Serious AEs (SAEs) were collected from the time the subject signed the ICF until 30 days after the last dose of any study drug (melflufen or dexamethasone) or initiation of subsequent therapy whichever occurred first.	Median treatment durations for Arm A and Arm B were 29.14 and 12.14 weeks, respectively. The AE reporting period is estimated to be 30 days longer.
Grade 5 Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs)	To assess safety and general tolerability of melflufen by collecting serious adverse events (SAEs) from the signing of the ICF until 30 days after the last dose of any study drug (melflufen or dexamethasone) or initiation of subsequent therapy whichever comes first.	From signing of the ICF until 30 days after the last dose of any study drug or initiation of subsequent therapy, whichever comes first. Median treatment durations for Arms A and B were 29.14 weeks and 12.14 weeks. AE reporting period=30 days longer

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Oncopeptides AB

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): August 4, 2020
• Primary Completion (Actual): June 2, 2021
• Study Completion (Actual): January 10, 2022

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 18, 2020
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 28, 2020
• First Posted (Actual): June 2, 2020

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): March 9, 2023
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 9, 2023
• Last Verified: January 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: central venous catheter (CVC); central intravenous administration; peripheral intravenous administration; peripheral venous catheter (PVC)
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Physiological Effects of Drugs; Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action; Autonomic Agents; Peripheral Nervous System Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Immunosuppressive Agents; Immunologic Factors; Antiemetics; Gastrointestinal Agents; Glucocorticoids; Hormones; Hormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone Antagonists; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Alkylating Agents; Myeloablative Agonists; Dexamethasone; Melphalan
• Other Study ID Numbers: OP-109

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: Yes
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No