MK-0646 and Gemcitabine +/- Erlotinib for Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Phase I

The Study Drugs:

MK-0646 is designed to block proteins that are thought to cause cancer cells to grow and spread. This drug may help slow the growth of tumors.

Gemcitabine is designed to disrupt the growth of cancer cells, which may cause cancer cells to die.

Erlotinib hydrochloride is designed to block the activity of a protein found on the surface of many tumor cells that may control the growth and survival of cancer cells. This may stop cancer cells from growing.

Study Drug Dose Level and Groups:

If you are found to be eligible to take part in this study, you will be assigned to a group (Arm A or Arm B) based on when you joined the study, how many participants have been enrolled before you, and on the safety data that is available at that time.

• If you are in Arm A, you will receive MK-0646 and gemcitabine.
• If you are in Arm B, you will receive MK-0646, gemcitabine, and erlotinib hydrochloride.

There are 2 dose levels of MK-0646 in each arm. There will be 3-6 participants enrolled in each dose level in each arm. Enrollment will begin in Arm A. Arm B will use the same 2 dose levels as Arm A. If the first dose level of Arm A is found to be tolerable, at least 3 patients will be enrolled in Arm B, Level 1, and then at least 3 patients will be enrolled in Arm A, Level 2. If Arm B, Level 1 and Arm A, Level 2 can be safely given, the last group of 3-6 patients will be enrolled in Arm B, Level 2. The first group of participants in each arm will receive the lower dose level. The next group in each arm will receive a higher dose than the first group, if no intolerable side effects were seen.

The dose of gemcitabine and/or erlotinib hydrochloride will be the same for every group.

Study Drug Administration:

If you are in Arm A, on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day study cycle, you will receive gemcitabine through a needle into your vein over about 1 1/2 hours. On Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each cycle, you will receive MK-0646 by vein over 1 hour.

If you are in Arm B, you will take erlotinib hydrochloride by mouth once a day (in the morning) every day. You should take it with about 1 cup (8 oz.) of water 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. On Days 1, 8, and 15 of each cycle, you will receive gemcitabine by vein over about 1 1/2 hours. On Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each cycle, you will receive MK-0646 by vein over 1 hour.

Depending upon how well you tolerate gemcitabine, your doctor may decide that you should receive gemcitabine on Days 1 and 15 instead of Days 1, 8, and 15.

Study Visits:

On Day 1 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• Your medical history will be recorded.
• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked to list any drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.
• Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn to make sure your body has not created cells to fight against MK-0646. These cells are called human anti-human antibodies (also known as HAHA).

On Day 8 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• Your vital signs and weight will be measured.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.
• You will be asked if you have experienced any side effects.

On Day 15 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked to list any drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.

On Day 22 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• Your vital signs and weight will be measured.
• Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn to test for HAHA.
• You will be asked if you have experienced any side effects.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.

On Day 1 of Cycles 2 and beyond, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked to list any drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.
• Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn for testing of CA 19-9.

On Days 8 and 15 of Cycles 2 and beyond, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• Your vital signs and weight will be measured.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.
• You will be asked if you have experienced any side effects.

On Day 22 of Cycles 2 and beyond, your vital signs and weight will be measured and you will be asked if you have experienced any side effects.

On Day 22 of Cycle 2 and every even cycle (Cycles 4, 6, 8, and so on), you will have a CT scan or MRI scan to check the status of the disease. Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will also be drawn to test HAHA.

Length of Study:

You may remain on study for as long as you are benefiting. You will be taken off study if the disease gets worse or you experience intolerable side effects.

End-of-Study Visit:

After you go off study, you will have an end-of-study visit. At this visit, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked to list any drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight.
• You will have a CT scan or MRI scan to check the status of the disease.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be collected for routine tests.
• Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn to test HAHA.
• Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn to test CA 19-9.

At Weeks 4, 8, and 12 after the end of study visit, blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn to test HAHA.

Long-Term Follow Up:

Once you are off study, every 3 months from then on, the study staff will ask you how you are doing, either in the clinic or by telephone. If you are called, the phone call will take about 10-15 minutes.

This is an investigational study. MK-0646 is not FDA approved or commercially available. At this time, MK-0646 is only being used in research. Gemcitabine is FDA approved and commercially available for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Erlotinib hydrochloride is FDA approved and commercially available for the treatment of pancreatic cancer in combination with gemcitabine.

Up to 100 patients will take part in this study. All will be enrolled at MD Anderson.

Phase II:

The Study Drugs:

MK-0646 is designed to block proteins that are thought to cause cancer cells to grow and spread. This drug may help slow the growth of tumors.

Gemcitabine is designed to disrupt the growth of cancer cells, which may cause cancer cells to die.

Erlotinib hydrochloride is designed to block the activity of a protein found on the surface of many tumor cells that may control the growth and survival of cancer cells. This may stop cancer cells from growing.

Study Groups:

If you are found to be eligible to take part in this study, you will be randomly assigned (as in the roll of the dice) into 1 of 3 groups.

• If you are in Arm A, you will receive gemcitabine and MK-0646.
• If you are in Arm B, you will receive erlotinib hydrochloride, gemcitabine, and MK-0646.
• If you are in Arm C, you will receive erlotinib hydrochloride and gemcitabine.

Study Drug Administration:

If you are in Arm A, on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day study cycle, you will receive gemcitabine through a needle into your vein over about 1 1/2 hours as an infusion once a week for 3 weeks. On Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each cycle, you will receive MK-0646 by vein over 1 hour.

If you are in Arm B, you will take erlotinib hydrochloride by mouth once (in the morning) every day. On Days 1, 8, and 15 of each cycle, you will receive gemcitabine by vein over about 1 1/2 hours. On Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each cycle, you will receive MK-0646 by vein over 1 hour.

If you are in Arm C, you will take erlotinib hydrochloride by mouth once (in the morning) every day. On Days 1, 8, and 15 of each cycle, you will receive gemcitabine by vein over about 1 1/2 hours.

If you are taking erlotinib hydrochloride, you should take it with about 1 cup (8 oz.) of water 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

Depending upon how well you tolerate gemcitabine, your doctor may decide that you should receive gemcitabine on Days 1 and 15 instead of Days 1, 8, and 15.

Study Visits:

On Day 1 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• Your medical history will be recorded.
• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked to list any drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.
• If you are assigned to receive MK-0646, blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn to make sure your body has not created cells to fight against MK-0646. These cells are called human anti-human antibodies (also known as HAHA).

On Day 8 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• Your vital signs and weight will be measured.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.
• You will be asked if you have experienced any side effects.

On Day 15 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked to list any drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.

On Day 22 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed if you are receiving MK-0646:

• Your vital signs and weight will be measured
• Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn to test for HAHA.
• You will be asked if you have experienced any side effects.

On Day 1 of Cycles 2 and beyond, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked about any other drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.
• Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn for testing of CA 19-9.

On Days 8 and 15 of Cycles 2 and beyond, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• Your vital signs and weight will be measured.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.
• You will be asked if you have experienced any side effects.

On Day 22 of Cycles 2 and beyond, your vital signs and weight will be measured, (if you are receiving MK-0646). and you will be asked if you have experienced any side effects.

On Day 22 of Cycle 2 and every even cycle (Cycles 4, 6, 8, and so on), you will have a CT scan or MRI scan to check the status of the disease. Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be also be drawn to test HAHA if you are receiving MK-0646.

Length of Study:

You may remain on study for as long as you are benefiting. You will be taken off study if the disease gets worse or you experience intolerable side effects.

If you are in Arm C (erlotinib and gemcitabine) and the disease gets worse, you may be allowed to join Arm B (gemcitabine, erlotinib, and MK-0646).

End-of-Study Visit:

After you go off study, you will have an end-of-study visit. At this visit the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked to list any drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight.
• You will have a CT scan or MRI scan to check the status of the disease.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be collected for routine tests.
• Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn for testing of CA 19-9.
• Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn for testing to test HAHA if you are receiving MK-0646.

At Weeks 4, 8, and 12 after the end of study visit, blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn to test HAHA if you were receiving MK-0646.

Long-Term Follow Up:

Once you are off study, every 3 months from then on, the study staff will ask you how you are doing, either in the clinic or by telephone. If you are called, this phone call will take about 10-15 minutes.

This is an investigational study. MK-0646 is not FDA approved or commercially available. At this time, MK-0646 is only being used in research. Gemcitabine is FDA approved and commercially available for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Erlotinib hydrochloride is FDA approved and commercially available for the treatment of pancreatic cancer in combination with gemcitabine.

Up to 100 patients will take part in this study. All will be enrolled at MD Anderson.

Phase II Expansion Cohort:

The Study Drugs:

MK-0646 is designed to block proteins that are thought to cause cancer cells to grow and spread. This drug may help slow the growth of tumors.

Gemcitabine is designed to disrupt the growth of cancer cells, which may cause cancer cells to die.

Study Treatments:

If you are found to be eligible to take part in this study, you will receive gemcitabine and MK-0646.

Study Drug Administration:

On Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day study cycle, you will receive gemcitabine through a needle into your vein over about 1 1/2 hours as an infusion once a week for 3 weeks. On Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each cycle, you will receive MK-0646 by vein over 1 hour.

Depending upon how well you tolerate gemcitabine, your doctor may decide that you should receive gemcitabine on Days 1 and 15 instead of Days 1, 8, and 15.

Study Visits:

On Day 1 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• Your medical history will be recorded.
• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked to list any drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.

On Day 8 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• Your vital signs and weight will be measured.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.
• You will be asked if you have experienced any side effects.

On Day 15 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked to list any drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.

On Day 22 of Cycle 1, the following tests and procedures will be performed if you are receiving MK-0646:

• Your vital signs and weight will be measured
• You will be asked if you have experienced any side effects
• Blood (about 1 tablespoon) will be drawn for biomarker testing.

On Day 1 of Cycles 2 and beyond, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked about any other drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.
• Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn for testing of CA 19-9.

On Days 8 and 15 of Cycles 2 and beyond, the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• Your vital signs and weight will be measured.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be drawn for routine tests.
• You will be asked if you have experienced any side effects.

On Day 22 of Cycles 2 and beyond, your vital signs and weight will be measured and you will be asked if you have experienced any side effects.

On Day 22 of Cycle 2 and every even cycle (Cycles 4, 6, 8, and so on), you will have a CT scan or MRI scan to check the status of the disease.

Length of Study:

You may remain on study for as long as you are benefiting. You will be taken off study if the disease gets worse or you experience intolerable side effects.

End-of-Study Visit:

After you go off study, you will have an end-of-study visit. At this visit the following tests and procedures will be performed:

• You will have a performance status evaluation.
• You will be asked to list any drugs you may be taking and if you have experienced any side effects.
• You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs and weight.
• You will have a CT scan or MRI scan to check the status of the disease.
• Blood (about 2 teaspoons) will be collected for routine tests.
• Blood (about 1 teaspoon) will be drawn for testing of CA 19-9.

Long-Term Follow Up:

Once you are off study, every 3 months from then on, the study staff will ask you how you are doing, either in the clinic or by telephone. If you are called, this phone call will take about 10-15 minutes.

This is an investigational study. MK-0646 is not FDA approved or commercially available. At this time, MK-0646 is only being used in research. Gemcitabine is FDA approved and commercially available for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Up to 100 patients total will take part in this study. All will be enrolled at MD Anderson.

Inclusion criteria

• Pathologically or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, AJCC stage IV
• Patients must have measurable disease, defined as at least one lesion that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension (longest diameter to be recorded) as =/>20 mm with conventional techniques or as =/>10 mm with spiral CT scan. See Section 11 for the evaluation of measurable disease. Measurable disease must be present outside a previous radiation field or if inside, it must be a new lesion.
• At least 6 months must have elapsed after completion of adjuvant therapy (if applicable).
• Age =/>18 years.
• ECOG Performance Status 0-1 (Karnofsky =/>60%).
• Patients must have adequate organ and marrow function as defined below: 1) leukocytes =/>3,000 cells/mm^3; 2) absolute neutrophil count =/>1,500 cells/mm^3; 4) platelets =/>100,000 cells/mm^3; 5) total bilirubin <1.5mg/dl; 6) AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) =/<2.5 X institutional upper limit of normal for patients without liver metastasis, =/< 5X institutional upper limit of normal for patients with liver metastasis; 7) creatinine - within normal institutional limits OR creatinine clearance =/>60 mL/min/1.73 m^2 for patients with creatinine levels above institutional normal
• Fasting blood glucose =/<160 mg/dl, prior to study enrollment. (For higher values, blood glucose may be controlled by dietary intervention, oral hypoglycemics and/ or insulin prior to enrollment).
• Women of child-bearing potential (defined as not post-menopausal for 12 months or no previous surgical sterilization) and fertile men must agree to use adequate contraception for the duration of study participation. Acceptable contraception is defined as double-barrier methods (any double combination of: IUD, male or female condom with spermicidal gel, diaphragm, sponge, cervical cap). Acceptable contraception must be used for 90 days after last dose of study drugs.
• (Continuation of inclusion criteria # 8) Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately.
• Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Signed informed consent form must be obtained prior to initiation of study evaluations and/or activities.
• INR <1.5 (or =/<3 if on anticoagulation therapy)
• Both men and women and members of all races and ethnic groups are eligible for this trial.
• In phase II expansion cohort, which is primarily for predictive biomarker correlation, patients enrolled will be those with pre-existing core biopsies of primary tumor or metastatic site or must be willing to undergo a biopsy for correlative studies.

Exclusion criteria

• Prior systemic chemotherapy or biological therapy for metastatic disease
• Prior exposure to IGF-1R inhibitors.
• Patients with known brain metastases should be excluded from this clinical trial because of their poor prognosis and because they often develop progressive neurologic dysfunction that would confound the evaluation of neurologic and other adverse events.
• History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to the agents used in the study.
• Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements.
• Pregnant or nursing women are excluded from this study because there is an unknown but potential risk for adverse events in infants secondary to treatment of the mother the study agents. If a pregnancy test (serum or urine) is positive, patient will be excluded.
• Patients who are known to be HIV-positive are ineligible because these patients are at increased risk of lethal infections when treated with marrow-suppressive therapy.
• No other prior malignancy is allowed except for the following: adequately treated basal or squamous cell skin cancer, in situ cervical cancer, or any other cancer from which the patient has been disease-free for two years.
• Patients must not be currently enrolled in a therapeutic study for pancreatic cancer.