Article
作者: Riddell, Anne ; Selway-Clarke, Hugh ; Jacob, Joseph ; Kolluri, Krishna ; Janes, Sam M ; Kalber, Tammy ; Benafif, Sarah ; Graham, Rebecca N ; Weil, Ben ; Gear, David ; Lowdell, Mark W ; Jones, Joanne L ; Yamada, Daisuke ; Szmul, Adam ; Wheeler, Graham ; Mullin, Monica L ; Chowdary, Pratima ; Popova, Bilyana ; Galani, Sevasti ; Nair, Arjun ; Khaw, Chuen Ryan ; Howlett, Sarah K ; Sage, Beth ; Davies, Alice ; Day, Alexander G ; Forster, Martin D ; Krebs, Matthew G
BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Despite recent progress, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has poor survival outcomes, necessitating the development of novel therapies. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively induces cancer cell death and can be delivered to tumors by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) due to the cells' migratory properties. This first-in-human phase I trial assessed safety and dose of umbilical cord-derived MSCs expressing TRAIL (UC-MSCTRAIL) alongside standard NSCLC therapy.
METHODS:Participants performance status 0-1 with treatment-naïve, inoperable stage IIIB/IV NSCLC received UC-MSCTRAIL infusions with each cycle of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, up to 3 cycles. A dose de-escalation design was used. Exploratory in vitro and in vivo studies further characterized UC-MSCTRAIL properties.
RESULTS:Six participants enrolled; four received 4 × 10⁸ cells/infusion (median 5.4 × 106 cells/kg), and two received 2 × 10⁸ cells/infusion (median 2.4 × 106 cells/kg). Early termination occurred due to asymptomatic pulmonary emboli (N = 5), which included two patients that were anticoagulated as a protocol amendment with prophylactic low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin 40 mg) and rivaroxaban 20 mg, respectively. Exploratory analyses found no clear pro-coagulant or immunogenic mechanisms, though participants receiving UC-MSCTRAIL had elevated inflammatory markers.
CONCLUSION:This first-in-human study of UC-MSCTRAIL in advanced lung cancer was terminated early due to high prevelance of pulmonary embolism. THough exact mechanism remains unclear, UC-MSCTRAIL may have contributed to a pro-inflammatory environment in participants already at elevated risk of thrombosis due to malignancy. Future MSC-based therapies should incorporate close monitoring for asymptomatic thrombosis and follow a dose escalation design for safety. Safety concerns underscore the need for further research.