Temsirolimus combined with sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma: a phase I dose-finding trial with pharmacokinetic and biomarker correlates

Background: Based upon preclinical evidence for improved antitumor activity in combination, this phase I study investigated the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety, activity, pharmacokinetics (PK), and biomarkers of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, temsirolimus, combined with sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HOC). Patients and methods: Patients with incurable HOC and Child Pugh score <= B7 were treated with sorafenib plus temsirolimus by 3 + 3 design. The dose-limiting toxicity (DO) interval was 28 days. The response was assessed every two cycles. PK of temsirolimus was measured in a cohort at MTD. Results: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. The MTD was temsirolimus 10 mg weekly plus sorafenib 200 mg twice daily. Among 18 patients at MTD, DLT included grade 3 hand foot skin reaction (HFSR) and grade 3 thrombocytopenia. Grade 3 or 4 related adverse events at MTD included hypophosphatemia (33%), infection (22%), thrombocytopenia (17%), HFSR (11%), and fatigue (11%). With sorafenib, temsirolimus clearance was more rapid (P < 0.05). Two patients (8%) had a confirmed partial response (PR); 15 (60%) had stable disease (SD). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) declined >= 50% in 60% assessable patients. Conclusion: The MTD of sorafenib plus temsirolimus in HOC was lower than in other tumor types. HOC-specific phase I studies are necessary. The observed efficacy warrants further study.