Treatment monitoring by biomarker analysis in a Phase I dose-expansion study of AZD2811 for relapsed/refractory small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: Aurora kinase B (AURKB) is overexpressed in lung cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. AZD2811 is an AURKB inhibitor that demonstrated tolerability during a Phase I dose-escalation study in patients with advanced solid tumours, including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Here we report the dose-expansion results. METHODS: Eligible patients received nanoparticle-formulated AZD2811 500 mg IV (Day 1; 21-day cycles) with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (Day 8). Dose-expansion endpoints included: preliminary antitumour activity, safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and biomarker-based disease monitoring. RESULTS: One of 21 enrolled patients achieved a partial response for an objective response rate of 4.8%; stable disease ≥6 weeks was observed in 10 patients (47.6%). The most common AZD2811-related AEs were decreased neutrophil and white blood cell count, anaemia, and decreased platelet count; grade ≥3 AZD2811-related AEs occurred in 15/21 patients. Baseline ctDNA levels were prognostic, and on-treatment ctDNA changes mirrored clinical response and identified progression early, suggesting it could be an effective surrogate for tumour tissue. Molecular profiling of paired tumour biopsies demonstrated AZD2811 pharmacodynamic activity and identified genes/pathways potentially linked to response. CONCLUSION: A personalised surveillance strategy may provide a novel avenue to monitor SCLC, supporting further investigation and potential broader clinical application. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02579226.