ARTICLE ABSTRACT
Monalizumab binds CD94/NKG2A, preventing HLA-E inhibition of tumor lymphocytes. A dose-ranging/cohort expansion trial of monalizumab for recurrent gynecologic malignancies was conducted to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and to explore clinical activity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and immunogenicity.
Participants (and part 2 expansion cohorts) included (i) platinum-sensitive ovarian, (ii) platinum-resistant ovarian, (iii) squamous cervical (CX), and (iv) epithelial endometrial (END) carcinomas. Part 1 assessed monalizumab at 1, 4, or 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. In part 2, ≥4 patients/cohort underwent pre- and on-treatment tumor biopsies. Preset criteria determined cohort expansion.
A total of 58 participants were evaluable. The RP2D was 10 mg/kg i.v. every 2 weeks. Dose proportionality and 100% NKG2A saturation were observed. Related adverse events were mild: headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Grade 3 related adverse events were nausea (1), vomiting (1), dehydration (1), fatigue (2), anorexia (1), dyspnea (1), and proctitis (1). Dose-limiting toxicities were not observed. Hematologic and biochemical changes were mild and not dose related. Best response was SD: part 1, 7 of 18 (39%) [3.4 months (1.4–5.5)], and part 2, 7 of 39 (18%) [1.7 months (CX) to 14.8 months (END)]. Neither a predictive biomarker for SD nor evidence of pharmacodynamic effects was identified. There was a trend to significance between a reduction in lymphocyte HLA-E total score and pharmacodynamics.
Monalizumab 10 mg/kg i.v. every 2 week is well tolerated in patients with pretreated gynecologic cancers. Short-term disease stabilization was observed. Future studies should assess combinations with other agents, including immunotherapeutics.
