A phase I study of ATR inhibitor gartisertib (M4344) as a single agent and in combination with carboplatin in patients with advanced solid tumours

Br J Cancer. 2024 Apr;130(7):1131-1140. doi: 10.1038/s41416-023-02436-2. Epub 2024 Jan 29.

Abstract

Background: Gartisertib is an oral inhibitor of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR), a key kinase of the DNA damage response. We aimed to determine the safety and tolerability of gartisertib ± carboplatin in patients with advanced solid tumours.

Methods: This phase I open-label, multicenter, first-in-human study comprised four gartisertib cohorts: A (dose escalation [DE]; Q2W); A2 (DE; QD/BID); B1 (DE+carboplatin); and C (biomarker-selected patients).

Results: Overall, 97 patients were enroled into cohorts A (n = 42), A2 (n = 26), B1 (n = 16) and C (n = 13). The maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) were not declared for cohorts A or B1. In cohort A2, the RP2D for gartisertib was determined as 250 mg QD. Gartisertib was generally well-tolerated; however, unexpected increased blood bilirubin in all study cohorts precluded further DE. Investigations showed that gartisertib and its metabolite M26 inhibit UGT1A1-mediated bilirubin glucuronidation in human but not dog or rat liver microsomes. Prolonged partial response (n = 1 [cohort B1]) and stable disease >6 months (n = 3) did not appear to be associated with biomarker status. Exposure generally increased dose-dependently without accumulation.

Conclusion: Gartisertib was generally well-tolerated at lower doses; however, unexpected liver toxicity prevented further DE, potentially limiting antitumour activity. Gartisertib development was subsequently discontinued.

Clinicaltrials: GOV: NCT02278250.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase I
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins / metabolism
  • Bilirubin
  • Biomarkers
  • Carboplatin / adverse effects
  • Dogs
  • Humans
  • Maximum Tolerated Dose
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Rats

Substances

  • Carboplatin
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Biomarkers
  • Bilirubin
  • ATR protein, human
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02278250