Phase 2 study of palbociclib plus retifanlimab in patients with advanced dedifferentiated liposarcoma

BACKGROUND: The cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor palbociclib delays disease progression in dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) by inducing tumor cell quiescence or senescence, though most tumors ultimately progress. Preclinical data suggest CDK4/6 inhibition enhances intratumoral inflammation and may synergize with immune checkpoint inhibitors. METHODS: This non-randomized, open-label, phase 2 study was conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Patients with metastatic or unresectable DDLPS, or those expected to benefit from systemic therapy prior to surgery, were eligible. Patients received palbociclib (125 mg orally, days 1-21 of a 28-day cycle) plus retifanlimab (500 mg intravenous flat dose every 4 weeks). The primary endpoint was to assess the best objective response rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1. RESULTS: amplification in 6 of 14 patients with progressive disease versus 2 patients with stable disease or partial response. Patients with progressive disease had a higher median copy number alteration burden compared with those with stable disease or partial response. CONCLUSIONS: Palbociclib plus retifanlimab demonstrated deep and durable responses in a subset of patients with advanced DDLPS, with an ORR exceeding that historically observed with either agent alone. Adverse events were generally manageable. Copy number alteration burden and JUN amplification merit further evaluation as potential biomarkers of resistance. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04438824.