Phase II study of the Flk-1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor SU5416 in advanced melanoma

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression is prognostic in melanoma, and the activity of VEGF is mediated in part through the receptor tyrosine kinase Flk-1. A Phase II study of SU5416, a preferential inhibitor of Flk-1, was carried out in patients with metastatic melanoma to determine clinical response, tolerability, and changes in tumor vascular perfusion. Experimental Design: Patients with documented progressive disease and less than or equal to1 prior therapy were eligible. Central nervous system metastases were allowed if stable off medication. SU5416 (145 mg/m(2)) was administered via a central catheter twice weekly for 8 weeks. Premedication with dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, and a H-2 blocker was required because of the Cremophor vehicle. Tumor vascular perfusion was assessed before treatment and during week 8 by dynamic contrast magnetic resonance imaging, and plasma was analyzed for VEGF. Results: Thirty-one patients were enrolled. Two-thirds had received prior therapy, 21 had visceral metastasis, and 14 had an elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Mean absolute lymphocyte counts were decreased (P = 0.002), and glucose levels were increased (P = 0.001) posttherapy, presumably because of steroid premedication. Four vascular adverse events were observed. Of 26 evaluable patients, 1 experienced a partial response, 1 had stable disease, and 5 bad a mixed response. Dynamic contrast magnetic resonance imaging in 5 evaluable patients showed decreased tumor perfusion at week 8 (P = 0.024), and plasma VEGF levels were elevated compared with pretherapy (P = 0.008). Conclusions: SU5146 appears to be relatively well tolerated in this population. Although the modest clinical activity and potential effects on tumor vascularity may support additional exploration of VEGF as a target in melanoma, effects from steroid premedication limit further investigation of this agent.