The study is designed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of decitabine repurposing against advanced, refractory, ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with molecular transcriptional signatures indicating dependency on the KRAS oncogene
TYPE OF STUDY: Phase II study, open label, multicentre, single arm, interventional, Non-randomized  TARGET POPULATION: Advanced (locally advanced or metastatic), pre-treated PDAC patients, progressing after at least one and no more than two lines of systemic therapy, whose tumors express a KRAS-dependency signature.  RATIONALE. BACKGROUND: KRAS gene mutations occur in 95% of PDAC. Inhibitors targeting the prevalent KRASG12V and KRASG12D mutations in PDAC have yet to reach the clinical setting. Oncogenic KRAS-driven signatures have been derived from PDAC cancer models. Based on these, it is possible to identify a subset of PDACs that are highly addicted to oncogenic KRAS, and referred to as KRAS-dependent tumors (dKRAS), in which the direct targeting of KRAS or KRAS-dependent phenotypes reduced tumor growth. Notably, KRAS dependency was associated with a rewiring of nucleotide metabolism and the inhibition of pyrimidine biosynthesis was sufficient to inhibit the growth of dKRAS PDAC cells. In contrast, tumors that, though harboring KRAS mutations, do not display KRAS dependency are resistant to anti-KRAS targeting. Decitabine (DEC) is FDA-approved for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukaemia. Importantly, phase-I and -II clinical trials of DEC have defined a recommended phase II dose (RP2D) for DEC monotherapy in solid tumors. HYPOTHESES AND RATIONALE: Preclinical studies show that DEC has cytotoxic activity and inhibits the growth of dKRAS PDAC, whereas KRAS-independent PDACs are not responsive. Based on solid preclinical studies and the scientific literature, the investigators' hypotheses are that: i) DEC is a potent anticancer drug inhibiting pyrimidine homeostasis and eliciting DNA damage in PDAC with a KRAS dependency; ii) The KRAS dependency of tumors can be analytically defined by computational scores based on the analysis of the gene expression signature on tumor biopsy; iii) These genetic scores might have a prognostic value. Based on these hypotheses, the investigators propose a proof-of-concept, biomarker-driven, phase-II clinical trial to explore the activity of DEC repurposing against advanced, refractory KRAS-dependent PDAC. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the trial is to provide proof-of-concept of DEC antitumor activity in dKRAS metastatic PDAC. Secondary objectives of the trial are to assess the feasibility of a molecularly tailored approach in advanced, pre-treated PDAC, as well as to assess treatment safety and tolerability, clinical benefit, impact on quality of life, and survival outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
7
DACOGEN will be administered i.v. over 1 hour, at the dose of 10 mg/m2/d, daily on days 1-5 and 8-12 of each 4-wk cycle.
Irccs S. Raffaele - Milano
Milan, Italy
Istituto Nazionale Tumori Di Napoli Irccs Pascale
Napoli, Italy
Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana
Pisa, Italy
Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri- Ifo - Istituto Regina Elena
Rome, Italy
Best Overall Respone (BOR) according to RECIST1.1
Best response is recorded from the start of the treatment until disease progression. Tumor assessments according to modified RECIST 1.1 criteria will be performed at baseline and every 8 weeks (±1week) up to 40 weeks and then every 12 weeks (±1 week) until objective radiological disease progression according to modified RECIST criteria (evised RECIST guideline (version 1.1). Eur J Cancer 2009. DOI:10.1016/j.ejca.2008.10.026).
Time frame: From registration to date of documented best response, assessed up to 24 months
Disease Control Rate (DCR)
The percentage of patients who have achieved complete response, partial response and stable disease according to modified RECIST 1.1
Time frame: Every 8 weeks (±1 week) from enrolment for the first 40 weeks, then every 12 weeks (±1 week) up to discontinuation the treatment
Clinical Benefit Rate (CBR)
CBR is a multidimensional endpoint encompassing performance status, pain, and weight loss/gain
Time frame: Every 8 weeks (±1 week) from enrolment for the first 40 weeks, then every 12 weeks (±1 week) up to discontinuation the treatment
tumor marker (Ca19.9) response
Tumor marker response is defined as percent reduction of CA19.9 at nadir, as compared to baseline levels and will be evaluated only in patients with elevated CA19.9 levels at baseline.
Time frame: On day 1 of every cycle and at the treatment discontinuation
Number of participants with treatment-related adverse events as assessed by CTCAE version 5.0
Monitored throughout the study and will be assessed and graded according to CTCAE (version 5.0)
Time frame: Adverse Events will be collected from time of signature of informed consent throughout the treatment period up to and including the 30-day follow-up period.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Policlinico A. Gemelli E C.I.C.- Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli
Rome, Italy
Az.Osp.Universitaria Integrata Verona- Borgo Roma
Verona, Italy
PFS (progression free survival)
PFS will be calculated form treatment start until progression or death.
Time frame: Every 8 weeks (±1 week) from enrolment for the first 40 weeks, then every 12 weeks (±1 week) and at the treatment discontinuation
OS (overall survival)
OS will be calculated from treatment start until progression or death.
Time frame: Every 8 weeks (±1 week) from enrolment for the first 40 weeks, then every 12 weeks (±1 week) and at the treatment discontinuation