Randomised phase II trial of weekly ixabepilone ± biweekly bevacizumab for platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer

Br J Cancer. 2022 Jun;126(12):1695-1703. doi: 10.1038/s41416-022-01717-6. Epub 2022 Feb 11.

Abstract

Background: This multi-center RP2 study assessed activity/safety of ixabepilone + bevacizumab compared to ixabepilone in platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer. Additional objectives were to examine the role of prior bevacizumab and taxanes, and explore class III-ß-tubulin (TUBB3) as a predictive biomarker.

Methods: Participants were randomised to receive ixabepilone 20 mg/m2 days 1, 8, 15 with (IXA + BEV) or without (IXA) bevacizumab 10 mg/kg days 1, 15 every 28 days. Patients were stratified by prior BEV. The primary endpoint was PFS. OS, safety, and ORR served as secondary endpoints.

Results: Among 76 evaluable patients who received IXA + BEV (n = 39) compared to IXA (n = 37), the ORR was 33% (n = 13) versus 8% (n = 3)(P = 0.004), durable at 6 months in 37% (n = 14) and 3% (n = 1) (P < 0.001). BEV significantly improved PFS (median:5.5 vs 2.2 months, HR = 0.33, 95%CI 0.19-0.55, P < 0.001) and OS (median:10.0 vs 6.0 months, HR = 0.52, 95%CI 0.31-0.87, P = 0.006). Both regimens were well-tolerated. TUBB3 expression did not predict response. Subgroup analyses revealed minimal effect of prior BEV or taxane resistant/refractory status on response to IXA + BEV.

Conclusions: IXA + BEV is a well-tolerated, effective combination for platinum/taxane-resistant ovarian cancer that extends PFS and likely OS relative to IXA monotherapy. Prior receipt of BEV should not preclude the use of IXA + BEV. TUBB3 is not a predictive biomarker.

Clinical trial registration: NCT3093155.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03093155.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Bevacizumab / adverse effects
  • Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial / drug therapy
  • Epothilones
  • Fallopian Tube Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Fallopian Tubes
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Platinum / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Epothilones
  • Bevacizumab
  • Platinum
  • ixabepilone

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03093155