The LEAP program: lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab for the treatment of advanced solid tumors

Future Oncol. 2021 Feb;17(6):637-648. doi: 10.2217/fon-2020-0937. Epub 2020 Dec 10.

Abstract

Tumor progression and immune evasion result from multiple oncogenic and immunosuppressive signals within the tumor microenvironment. The combined blockade of VEGF and inhibitory immune checkpoint signaling has been shown to enhance immune activation and tumor destruction in preclinical models. The LEAP clinical trial program is evaluating the safety and efficacy of lenvatinib (a multikinase inhibitor) plus pembrolizumab (a PD-1 inhibitor) across several solid tumor types. Preliminary results from ongoing trials demonstrate robust antitumor activity and durable responses across diverse tumor types with a manageable safety profile. Thus, lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab is anticipated to be an important potential new regimen for several solid cancers that currently have limited therapeutic options. Clinical trial registration: NCT03884101, NCT03713593, NCT03820986, NCT03776136, NCT03797326, NCT03829319, NCT03829332, NCT03976375, NCT04428151, NCT04199104, NCT03898180, NCT04246177 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Keywords: LEAP program; combination therapy; lenvatinib; pembrolizumab; solid tumors.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / mortality
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Phenylurea Compounds / administration & dosage*
  • Phenylurea Compounds / adverse effects
  • Progression-Free Survival
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Quinolines / administration & dosage*
  • Quinolines / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Phenylurea Compounds
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Quinolines
  • pembrolizumab
  • lenvatinib

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04428151
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04199104
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03976375
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03829332
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03898180
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04246177