Methylation and histone deacetylase inhibition in combination with platinum treatment in patients with advanced malignancies

Gerald S. Falchook, Siqing Fu, Aung Naing, David S. Hong, Wei Hu, Stacy Moulder, Jennifer J. Wheler, Anil K. Sood, Ernesto Bustinza-Linares, Kristin L. Parkhurst, Razelle Kurzrock

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose The combination of DNA methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors is synergistic in gene expression activation and may overcome platinum resistance. Sequential treatment with azacitidine and valproic acid (VPA) in combination with carboplatin may overcome resistance to platinum-based therapy, and we conducted a phase I trial to assess safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and clinical correlates. Experimental Design Patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapy were eligible. In cohorts of escalating doses, patients received azacitidine for 5 days from days 1 to 5, VPA for 7 days from days 5 to 11, and carboplatin starting in the second cycle on days 3 and 10. Clinical correlates included evaluation of epigenetic changes, methylation patterns, and histone acetylation levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results Thirty-two patients were treated. The MTD was 75 mg/m2 azacitidine, 20 mg/kg VPA, and AUC 3.0 carboplatin. Minor responses or stable disease lasting ≥4 months were achieved by six patients (18.8 %), including three with platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory ovarian cancer. The most common adverse events grade ≥3 were fatigue (81 %) and neutropenia (69 %). Dose-limiting toxicity occurred in six patients (18.8 %), including four patients with grade 3 altered mental status. Death receptor 4 (DR4) methylation was shown to decrease in a subset of patients, but there was no relationship with tumor response or number of cycles received. Conclusions Combination of azacitidine, VPA, and carboplatin demonstrates decreased DR4 methylation and modest evidence of antitumor activity in patients with heavily treated advanced malignancies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1192-1200
Number of pages9
JournalInvestigational New Drugs
Volume31
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2013

Keywords

  • Azacitidine
  • Carboplatin
  • Histone deacetylase inhibition
  • Methylation
  • Valproic acid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

MD Anderson CCSG core facilities

  • Clinical Trials Office

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