ASCO2016: AstraZeneca PLC Release: Tagrisso (Osimertinib) Shows Clinical Activity In Patients With Leptomeningeal Disease From Lung Cancer

Osimertinib data reported at ASCO 2016 demonstrated improved neurological function in patients with EGFRm NSCLC and leptomeningeal disease

Latest results reinforce pre-clinical evidence that osimertinib crosses the blood-brain barrier

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AstraZeneca today announced clinical and safety data for osimertinib in patients with leptomeningeal (LM) disease, a complication of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC),¹ where cancer cells spread to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). LM is a devastating disease often associated with advanced lung cancer.

The updated BLOOM Phase I trial results, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, showed that irrespective of T790M mutation status of patients, osimertinib demonstrated activity through assessments with MRI imaging intracranial response.¹

Data from 21 patients treated with osimertinib 160mg once daily showed intracranial radiological improvement in seven patients, neurological function improvement in five patients, and clearance of tumor cells from the CSF at two consecutive visits in two patients. None of the 21 patients treated with osimertinib received concomitant radiotherapy or intrathecal chemotherapy. Fifteen patients remained on treatment at data cut-off (March 10, 2016), of whom seven had been on treatment for more than nine months.

Further data from the BLOOM study showed that osimertinib crossed the blood-brain barrier. In six of nine patients, a greater than 50% decrease in EGFR mutation level was observed in the CSF up to cycle 9, day 1 of treatment, with a sustained reduction observed in five. These results support previously reported preclinical data demonstrating that osimertinib crosses the blood-brain barrier.²

Dr James CH Yang, from the National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, said: “Leptomeningeal disease carries a devastating prognosis, so the safety, tolerability and activity profile seen with osimertinib is encouraging. In the BLOOM study, we saw a decrease in central nervous system lesions in patients with leptomeningeal disease, with accompanying neurological improvement. The results build on previous findings with osimertinib in preclinical and clinical studies and provide evidence of the potential of osimertinib in difficult-to-treat patients who have central nervous system metastases.”

In leptomeningeal disease, cancer cells spread to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease is currently treated with systemic or intrathecal chemotherapy, whole-brain radiation therapy or EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), with median overall survival of 4.5-11 months.^3,4 However, most currently-available EGFR-TKIs have limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to effectively treat or prevent brain metastases.^5-7

Osimertinib 160mg was associated with a manageable tolerability profile over treatment periods up to 11 months. The most common adverse events reported by patients were diarrhea (58% overall; 5% =Grade 3), nausea (48% overall; 0% =Grade 3) and rash (43% overall; 0% =Grade 3). There were no reported cases of interstitial lung disease, hyperglycemia or QT prolongation.

TAGRISSO^® (osimertinib) recently received accelerated approval as the first indicated treatment for patients with metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as detected by an FDA-approved test, who have progressed on or after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. TAGRISSO is also approved for patients with EGFR T790M mutation-positive locally advanced/ metastatic NSCLC in the EU, Japan and Israel. Osimertinib is also approved in South Korea.

AstraZeneca is committed to exploring the full potential of osimertinib in patients with lung cancer, including adjuvant and locally advanced/metastatic first-line EGFRm settings, in patients with and without brain metastases, and in those with leptomeningeal disease.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• There are no contraindications for TAGRISSO
• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis occurred in 3.3% and was fatal in 0.5% of 813 TAGRISSO patients. Withhold TAGRISSO and promptly investigate for ILD in any patient presenting with worsening of respiratory symptoms indicative of ILD (e.g., dyspnea, cough and fever). Permanently discontinue TAGRISSO if ILD is confirmed
• QTc interval prolongation occurred in TAGRISSO patients. Of the 411 patients in two Phase II studies, 0.2% were found to have a QTc greater than 500 msec, and 2.7% had an increase from baseline QTc greater than 60 msec. Conduct periodic monitoring with ECGs and electrolytes in patients with congenital long QTc syndrome, congestive heart failure, electrolyte abnormalities, or those who are taking medications known to prolong the QTc interval. Permanently discontinue TAGRISSO in patients who develop QTc interval prolongation with signs/symptoms of life threatening arrhythmia
• Cardiomyopathy occurred in 1.4% and was fatal in 0.2% of 813 TAGRISSO patients. Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) decline >10% and a drop to <50% occurred in 2.4% of (9/375) TAGRISSO patients. Assess LVEF before initiation and then at 3 month intervals of TAGRISSO treatment. Withhold TAGRISSO if ejection fraction decreases by 10% from pretreatment values and is less than 50%. For symptomatic congestive heart failure or persistent asymptomatic LV dysfunction that does not resolve within 4 weeks, permanently discontinue TAGRISSO
• Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during TAGRISSO treatment and for 6 weeks after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception for 4 months after the final dose
• The most common adverse reactions (>20%) observed in TAGRISSO patients were diarrhea (42%), rash (41%), dry skin (31%) and nail toxicity (25%)

INDICATION

TAGRISSO is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as detected by an FDA-approved test, who have progressed on or after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

Please see complete Prescribing Information including Patient Information.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for about one-third of all cancer deaths, and more than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined⁹ Patients who have the EGFRm form of NSCLC, which occurs in 10-15% of NSCLC patients in Europe¹⁰ and 30-40% of NSCLC patients in Asia¹¹ are particularly sensitive to treatment with currently available EGFR-TKIs, which block the cell signaling pathways that drive the growth of tumor cells.¹² However, tumors almost always develop resistance to treatment, leading to disease progression.¹³ In approximately two-thirds of patients treated with approved EGFR-TKIs such as gefitinib and erlotinib, this resistance is related to the secondary mutation, T790M.¹³

About leptomeningeal disease

In leptomeningeal disease, cancer cells spread to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is a complication that affects approximately 5% of patients with NSCLC¹⁴, and approximately 9% of those with EGFRm NSCLC.¹⁵ Treatment is challenging due to poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier by most EGFR-TKI therapies, making it difficult for drugs to reach the brain and spinal cord. ^5-7 Median overall survival in patients with EGFRm NSCLC and leptomeningeal disease is 4.5 to 11 months.^3-4 In a recently reported “real-world” retrospective analysis of patients with EGFRm NSCLC treated with EGFR-TKIs, median overall survival was approximately 30 months.¹⁶

About TAGRISSO^® (osimertinib)

TAGRISSO (osimertinib) (AZD9291) 80mg once-daily tablet is the first medicine indicated for the treatment of metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation-positive NSCLC, as detected by an FDA-approved test, who have progressed on or after EGFR TKI therapy. Non-clinical in vitro studies have demonstrated that osimertinib has high potency and inhibitory activity against mutant EGFR phosphorylation across the range of clinically relevant EGFR and T790M mutant NSCLC cell lines with significantly less activity against EGFR in wild-type cell lines.¹⁷

TAGRISSO^® (osimertinib) Development Program

TAGRISSO is being studied in the confirmatory trial, AURA3, an open label, randomized Phase III study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of osimertinib versus platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in patients with EGFR T790M positive, locally advanced, or metastatic NSCLC who have progressed following prior therapy with an EGFR-TKI. TAGRISSO is also being investigated in the adjuvant setting and in the metastatic first-line setting, including in patients with brain metastases, as well as in combination with other compounds.

About AstraZeneca in Oncology

AstraZeneca has a deep-rooted heritage in Oncology and offers a quickly growing portfolio of new medicines that has the potential to transform patients’ lives and the Company’s future. With at least 6 new medicines to be launched between 2014 and 2020, and a broad pipeline of small molecules and biologics in development, we are committed to advance New Oncology as one of AstraZeneca’s six Growth Platforms focused on lung, ovarian, breast and blood cancers. In addition to our core capabilities, we actively pursue innovative partnerships and investments that accelerate the delivery of our strategy as illustrated by our investment in Acerta Pharma in hematology.

By harnessing the power of four scientific platforms -- immuno-oncology, the genetic drivers of cancer and resistance, DNA damage repair and antibody drug conjugates and by championing the development of personalized combinations, AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer treatment and one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three main therapy areas - respiratory, inflammation, autoimmune disease (RIA), cardiovascular and metabolic disease (CVMD) and oncology – as well as infection and neuroscience diseases. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information please visit: www.astrazeneca-us.com.

References

¹ Yang JCH, et al. Osimertinib activity in patients (pts) with leptomeningeal (LM) disease from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): updated results from BLOOM, a Phase I study. Abstract 9002 [Oral Presentation]. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 3-7 June 2016, Chicago, USA.

² Ballard P, et al. Preclinical activity of AZD9291 in EGFR-mutant NSCLC brain metastases. Presented at the World Congress on Lung Cancer, 6-9 September 2015. Denver, Colorado, USA.

³ Liao BC et al. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis. J Thorac Oncol. 2015 Dec;10(12):1754-61.

⁴ Umemura S et al. Clinical outcome in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer: Okayama Lung Cancer Study Group. Lung Cancer. 2012 Jul;77(1):134-9.

⁵ European Medicines Agency CHMP assessment report for Giotrif. 2013.

⁶ De Vries NA et al. Restricted brain penetration of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib due to the drug transporters P-gp and BCRP. Invest New Drugs. 2012 Apr;30(2):443-9.

⁷ Zhao J et al. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of gefitinib in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Clin Lung Cancer. 2013 Mar;14(2):188-93.

⁸ National Institutes of Health. Oral Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, AZD3759 or AZD9291, in Patients Who Have Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (BLOOM). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02228369?term=AZD9291+brain+met&rank=1. Accessed May 2016.

⁹ GLOBOCAN (2012). Estimated cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence worldwide in 2012. Available at: http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_cancer.aspx. Accessed May 2016.

¹⁰ Szumera-Cieckiewicz A, et al. EGFR mutation testing on cytological and histological samples in non-small cell lung cancer: a Polish, single institution study and systematic review of European incidence. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013;6:2800-12.

¹¹ Ellison G, et al. EGFR mutation testing in lung cancer: a review of available methods and their use for analysis of tumour tissue and cytology samples. J Clin Pathol. 2013;66:79-89.

¹² Langer CJ, et al. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition in Mutation-Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Is Afatinib Better or Simply Newer? Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2013;31(27);3303-3305.

¹³ Yu HA, et al. Analysis of Tumour Specimens at the Time of Acquired Resistance to EGFR-TKI Therapy in 155 Patients with EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer. Clin Cancer Research:2013:19(8):2240-2246.

¹⁴ Chamberlain MC et al. Carcinoma meningitis secondary to non-small cell lung cancer: combined modality therapy. Arch Neurol. 1998 Apr;55(4):506-12.

¹⁵ Kuiper JL et al. Treatment and survival of patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer and leptomeningeal metastasis: A retrospective cohort analysis. Lung Cancer. 2015 Sep;89(3):255-61.

¹⁶ Inoue A et al. Characteristics and overall survival of EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a retrospective analysis for 1660 Japanese patients. Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2016 Mar 13. pii: hyw014. [Epub ahead of print].

¹⁷ Cross DAE, et al. AZD9291, an Irreversible EGFR TKI, Overcomes T790M-Mediated Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors in Lung Cancer. Cancer Discov. 2014;4:1046-61.