A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of Col-3 (Metastat), an oral tetracycline derivative with potent matrix metalloproteinase and antitumor properties.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this research was to assess the feasibility of administering Col-3, an oral chemically modified tetracycline derivative with potent inhibitory effects on matrix metalloproteinase activity and production, and recommend a dose on an uninterrupted once-daily schedule. The study also sought to characterize the pharmacokinetic behavior of Col-3 and seek evidence of anticancer activity.


METHODS
Patients with advanced solid malignancies were treated with escalating doses of Col-3 with dose level assignment according to an accelerated titration scheme. Because photosensitivity skin reactions were being reported in concurrent trials of Col-3, patients were instructed to apply sunscreen rigorously throughout the trial. The maximum tolerated dose was defined as the highest dose at which <2 of the first 6 new patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity. The pharmacokinetic behavior of Col-3 was characterized, and pharmacodynamic relationships were sought.


RESULTS
Thirty-three patients were treated with 73 courses of Col-3 at four dose levels ranging from 36 to 98 mg/m2/day. Unacceptably high incidences of photosensitivity skin reactions and malaise were noted in the first 28-day courses of patients treated with Col-3 at doses exceeding 50 mg/m2/day. At 50 mg/m2/day, severe toxicity occurred in 2 of 12 new patients in first courses, and no additional dose-limiting toxicities were observed in subsequent courses. Other mild to modest adverse effects included nausea, vomiting, liver function tests abnormalities, diarrhea, mucositis, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. The pharmacokinetics of Col-3 were dose proportional, and mean trough concentrations at steady state were similar to biologically relevant concentrations in preclinical studies. Major responses did not occur, but durable disease stability was noted in 3 patients, one each with carcinosarcoma of the uterus, pancreas, and ovary, all of whom had experienced disease progression before Col-3 treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The recommended dose for Phase II studies of Col-3 administered once daily on an uninterrupted schedule is 50 mg/m2/day accompanied by efforts that promote adherence to the use of sunscreen and other photoprotective measures. Pharmacokinetic results indicate that plasma concentrations above biologically relevant concentrations are readily maintained at this dose, and additional disease-directed studies, particularly in patients with soft tissue sarcoma, should be considered.
Institute for Drug Development, Cancer Therapy and Research Center and University Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
Samira
S
Syed
Chris
C
Takimoto
Manuel
M
Hidalgo
Jinee
J
Rizzo
John G
JG
Kuhn
Lisa A
LA
Hammond
Garry
G
Schwartz
Anthony
A
Tolcher
Amita
A
Patnaik
S Gail
SG
Eckhardt
Eric K
EK
Rowinsky
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019540:Area Under Curve; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013754:Tetracyclines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D013754:Tetracyclines; C117155:tetracycline CMT-3; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases