A randomized controlled trial of berubicin, a doxorubicin analog that effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier (bbb), after first-line therapy for glioblastoma multiforme (gbm): preliminary results

Abstract Berubicin is a doxorubicin (Dox) analog that crosses the BBB with significant central nervous system (CNS) uptake. Berubicin prolongs survival in orthotopic mouse intracranial models with greater infiltration of the tumor compared to normal tissue. A Phase 1 dose-escalation study showed myelosuppression as the dose-limiting toxicity, with 1 complete response (14+ years), 1 partial response durable for 12 weeks, and 9 patients with stable disease for a clinical benefit rate of 44%.A trial of Berubicin vs Lomustine in patients with recurrent GBM after first-line therapy in the US and EU is enrolling patients in a 2:1 randomization design of Berubicin:Lomustine. Patients will be stratified by MGMT methylation status. The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS) and secondary endpoints include progression-free survival and overall response rates. Advanced imaging technology is being utilized for consistency in the evaluation of MRI scans. An interim futility analysis to explore the relative efficacy of these drugs will be conducted after up to half of the patients enrolled have reached 6 months of therapy. Currently, 31 patients are enrolled with 21 in the Berubicin arm and 10 in the Lomustine arm. At present these patients show comparable demographics, with an unmethylated MGMT population of ~60% in both arms. Patients with all grades of adverse events were 57% and 60% on the Berubicin and Lomustine arms, respectively. Grade 3-4 events were 43% (Berubicin arm) and 30% (Lomustine arm). Less than 10% of patients discontinued the study due to adverse events.The available data to date shows that Berubicin and Lomustine arms are presently balanced with relatively comparable safety profiles. This study is continuing to evaluate the efficacy of this novel drug with the goal of providing therapeutic options for patients after first-line therapy. An updated patient population profile, safety, and initial efficacy will be presented.