Evaluation of Sequential Versus Up-Front Administration of Durvalumab, Tremelimumab, and Bevacizumab in Non-Resectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- Trial ID
- 2024-511439-84-00
- Protocol
- MONTBLANC
Trial statistics
Diseases & Conditions
Objectives
The primary objective of this study is to assess the **efficacy** of Arm A and Arm B compared to historical controls in patients with non-resectable **hepatocellular carcinoma** (HCC). This evaluation is clinically relevant as it aims to determine the potential benefits of the treatment regimens involving durvalumab, tremelimumab, and bevacizumab, which could offer new therapeutic options for patients with limited treatment alternatives.
Secondary objectives include:
- Assessing the efficacy of Arm A and Arm B individually.
- Evaluating disease-related symptoms, impacts, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in both treatment arms.
- Investigating the deterioration of liver function.
- Assessing the safety and tolerability profile across both treatment arms.
Participants
The clinical trial involves participants diagnosed with **non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)**. The study population includes both male and female subjects, aged 18 years and older, with a body weight exceeding 30 kg. Participants are required to have a confirmed diagnosis of HCC based on histopathological findings and must not have received prior systemic therapy for HCC. The trial does not include a vulnerable population. Participants are expected to have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1 at enrollment, indicating they are fully active or restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory. The trial population was selected based on specific inclusion criteria, such as adequate organ and marrow function, and a life expectancy of at least 12 weeks. Participants must be capable of giving informed consent and willing to comply with the study protocol. The sponsor has not provided information regarding the total number of participants in the trial.
Plans and Procedures
The clinical trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy of **durvalumab**, **tremelimumab**, and **bevacizumab** in patients with non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This is a Phase II, randomized, double-blind, controlled study. The trial aims to compare two treatment arms against historical controls, with the primary endpoint being the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and quality of life assessments, among others. The trial is expected to run until March 31, 2027, with recruitment starting on March 31, 2023.
Participants will undergo a series of study visits, beginning with an inclusion (screening) visit to assess eligibility based on criteria such as age, body weight, and confirmed diagnosis of HCC. The inclusion criteria also require adequate organ and marrow function, and a life expectancy of at least 12 weeks. Following the screening, participants will be randomized into one of the treatment arms. Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor treatment efficacy and safety, including assessments of liver function and adverse events. The end-of-study visit will conclude the participant's involvement, with data collected on the primary and secondary endpoints.
The expected length of participant involvement is up to 24 months, corresponding to the maximum treatment period. Conditions that may lead to early termination from the study include significant adverse events, disease progression, or withdrawal of consent. Participants with HBV or HCV infections must adhere to specific antiviral therapy protocols to remain eligible. The study will ensure compliance with ethical standards, including obtaining informed consent and maintaining participant confidentiality throughout the trial.
Treatment
The clinical trial involves the administration of **Tremelimumab**, a **solution for infusion** specifically formulated for the study. Tremelimumab is a protein-based therapeutic agent, classified under the category "Protein - Other." It is administered as a concentrate for solution for infusion, with a maximum daily dose of 300 mg and a total maximum dose of 900 mg over the treatment period. The treatment is delivered intravenously, with a maximum treatment period of 24 months. The study-specific primary labeling and secondary packaging are applied to ensure compliance with trial protocols.
**Bevacizumab**, marketed as Aybintio 25 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion, is another investigational product used in this trial. It is also a protein-based therapeutic agent, administered as a concentrate for solution for infusion. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg/kg, with a total maximum dose of 525 mg/kg over the treatment period. Bevacizumab is administered intravenously, with a treatment duration of up to 24 months. Additional study-specific labeling is applied to the product to align with trial requirements.
**Durvalumab**, marketed as IMFINZI 50 mg/mL concentrate for solution for infusion, is the third investigational product in this trial. It is a protein-based therapeutic agent, administered as a concentrate for solution for infusion. The maximum daily dose is 1500 mg, with a total maximum dose of 39000 mg over the treatment period. Durvalumab is administered via intravenous infusion, with a treatment duration of up to 24 months. The product is subject to additional study-specific labeling to ensure adherence to trial protocols.
All investigational products are administered in accordance with the study protocol, and participant compliance is monitored throughout the trial. The trial aims to assess the efficacy of the treatment regimens in patients with non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma, comparing the outcomes to historical controls. No non-experimental treatments, such as standard-of-care therapy or placebo, are mentioned in the trial documentation.
Efficacy
The efficacy of the clinical trial will be assessed using a combination of primary and secondary endpoints. The primary endpoint is the **Objective Response Rate (ORR)**, which measures the proportion of patients with a significant reduction in tumor size. Secondary endpoints include **Overall Survival (OS)**, **Progression-Free Survival (PFS)**, **Time to Progression (TTP)**, and **Objective Response Rate according to Blinded Independent Central Review (ORR-BICR)**. Additional secondary endpoints are **Duration of Response (DOR)**, **Disease Control Rate (DCR)**, and the proportion of patients alive at 18 and 24 months (OS-18m and OS-24m, respectively). The trial will also evaluate **Progression-Free Survival from escalation treatment (PFS-E)**, **PFS on next treatment**, and **Time to Failure of Strategy (TTFS)**.
Quality of life will be assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 30-item core quality of life questionnaire (QLQC30) and the EORTC 18-item hepatocellular cancer health-related quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-HCC18). These tools will measure changes compared to baseline and time to deterioration in global health status, QoL, and functioning scales. The trial will also monitor the time to deterioration of liver function, defined as the time from randomization to a worsening of CTCAE grade for parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, albumin, and international normalized ratio (INR), persisting for at least 30 days. Adverse events and laboratory findings will be documented to ensure comprehensive safety and efficacy evaluation.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Capable of giving signed informed consent which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the informed consent form (ICF) and in this protocol. Written informed consent and any locally required authorization (European Union [EU] Data Privacy Directive) obtained from the patient/legal representative prior to performing any protocol-related procedures, including screening evaluations.
- Age ≥18 years at the time of study entry.
- Body weight >30 kg.
- Confirmed HCC based on histopathological findings from tumor tissues. If no archival sample is available and the specific risk of performing the biopsy according to the investigator’s opinion is considered to outweigh the benefits of diagnostic confirmation, HCC can be diagnosed based on typical diagnostic imaging on dynamic CT or MRI according to AASLD criteria, after consultation with the sponsor.
- Must not have received prior systemic therapy for HCC.
- Not eligible for locoregional therapy for unresectable HCC. For patients who progressed after locoregional therapy for HCC, locoregional therapy must have been completed ≥28 days prior to the baseline scan for the current study.
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B (that is not eligible for locoregional therapy) or stage C or stage A (not eligible for curative therapy, not eligible for locoregional therapy).
- Child-Pugh Score class A.
- ECOG performance status of 0 or 1 at enrollment.
- Patients with HBV infection, characterized by positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and/or hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBcAb) with detectable HBV DNA (≥10 IU/ml or above the limit of detection per local or central lab standard), must be treated with antiviral therapy, as per institutional practice, to ensure adequate viral suppression (HBV DNA ≤2000 IU/mL) prior to enrollment. Patients must remain on antiviral therapy for the study duration and for 6 months after the last dose of study medication. Patients who test positive for anti-hepatitis B core (HBc) with undetectable HBV DNA (<10 IU/ml or under the limit of detection per local or central lab standard) do not require anti-viral therapy prior to enrollment. These subjects will be tested at every cycle to monitor HBV DNA levels and initiate antiviral therapy if HBV DNA is detected (≥10 IU/ml or above the limit of detection per local or central lab standard). HBV DNA detectable subjects must initiate and remain on antiviral therapy for the study duration and for 6 months after the last dose of study medication.
- Patients with HCV infection must have confirmed diagnosis of HCV characterized by the presence of detectable HCV RNA or anti-HCV antibody upon enrollment (management of this disease is per local institutional practice).
- At least 1 measurable lesion, not previously irradiated, that can be accurately measured at baseline as ≥10 mm in the longest diameter (except lymph nodes, which must have a short axis ≥15 mm) with computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and that is suitable for accurate repeated measurements as per RECIST 1.1 guidelines. A lesion which progressed after previous ablation or TACE could be measurable if it meets these criteria.
- Adequate organ and marrow function, as defined below. Criteria “a,” “b,” “c,” and “f” cannot be met with transfusions, infusions, or growth factor support administered within 14 days of starting the first dose. a. Hemoglobin ≥9 g/dL b. Absolute neutrophil count ≥1500/µL c. Platelet count ≥75000/µL d. Total bilirubin (TBL) ≤2.0× upper limit of normal (ULN) e. AST and ALT ≤5×ULN f. Albumin ≥2.8 g/dL g. International normalized ratio (INR) ≤1.6. Note: INR prolongation due to anticoagulants for prophylaxis (e.g., atrial fibrillation) in patients without liver cirrhosis could be exception. h. Calculated creatinine clearance ≥50 mL/minute as determined by Cockcroft-Gault (using actual body weight) or 24-hour urine creatinine clearance i. Urine dipstick for proteinuria < 2+ (within 7 days prior to initiation of study treatment), unless a subsequent 24-hour urine collection demonstrates < 1 g of protein in 24 hours.
- Evidence of post-menopausal status or negative serum pregnancy test for female pre-menopausal patients.
- Patient is willing and able to comply with the protocol for the duration of the study including undergoing treatment and scheduled visits and examinations including follow up.
- Must have a life expectancy of at least 12 weeks.
Exclusion Criteria
- Involvement in the planning and/or conduct of the study (applies to both AstraZeneca staff and/or staff at the study site).
- Previous study drug(s) assignment in the present study.
- Concurrent enrollment in another clinical study, unless it is an observational (non-interventional) clinical study or during the follow-up period of an interventional study.
- Participation in another clinical study with an investigational product during the last 4 weeks or 5 half-lives of the respective drug/IMP, whichever is longer.
- Any unresolved toxicity National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (CTCAE) Grade ≥2 from previous anticancer therapy with the exception of alopecia, vitiligo, and the laboratory values defined in the inclusion criteria: a) Patients with Grade ≥2 neuropathy will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis after consultation with the Study Physician. b) Patients with irreversible toxicity not reasonably expected to be exacerbated by treatment with durvalumab or tremelimumab may be included only after consultation with the Study Physician.
- Any concurrent chemotherapy, study drug, or biologic or hormonal therapy for cancer treatment. Concurrent use of hormonal therapy for non-cancer-related conditions (eg, hormone replacement therapy) is acceptable.
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs or any of the study drug excipients.
- Radiotherapy treatment to more than 30% of the bone marrow or with a wide field of radiation within 28 days of the first dose of study drug(s).
- Major surgical procedure or significant traumatic injury (as defined by the Investigator) within 28 days prior to the first dose of study drug(s), or anticipation of need for major surgical procedure during the course of the study or nonrecovery from side effects of any such procedure. Note: Local surgery of isolated lesions for palliative intent is acceptable.
- History of allogeneic organ transplantation (eg, liver transplant).
- History of hepatic encephalopathy within past 12 months or requirement for medications to prevent or control encephalopathy (eg, no lactulose, rifaximin, etc if used for purposes of hepatic encephalopathy).
- Clinically meaningful ascites, defined as any ascites requiring non-pharmacologic intervention (eg, paracentesis) to maintain symptomatic control, within 6 months prior to the first scheduled dose. Subjects on stable doses of diuretics for ascites for ≥2 months are eligible.
- Patients with main portal vein thrombosis (i.e., thrombosis in the main trunk of the portal vein, with or without blood flow) on baseline imaging.
- Patient currently exhibits symptomatic or uncontrolled hypertension defined as diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg or systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg.
- Any condition interfering with swallowing pills, uncontrolled diarrhea, or other contraindication to oral therapy.
- Active or prior documented autoimmune or inflammatory disorders (including inflammatory bowel disease [eg, colitis or Crohn's disease], diverticulitis [with the exception of diverticulosis], systemic lupus erythematosus, Sarcoidosis syndrome, or Wegener syndrome [granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Graves' disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hypophysitis, uveitis, etc]). Patients without active disease in the last 5 years are excluded unless discussed with the Study Physician and considered appropriate for study participation. The following are exceptions to this criterion: a) Patients with vitiligo or alopecia b) Patients with hypothyroidism (eg, following Hashimoto syndrome) stable on hormone replacement c) Any chronic skin condition that does not require systemic therapy d) Patients with celiac disease controlled by diet alone.
- Patients co-infected with HBV and HCV, or co-infected with HBV and hepatitis D virus (HDV). HBV positive (presence of HBsAg and/or anti-HBcAb with detectable HBV DNA); HCV positive (presence of anti-HCV antibodies); HDV positive (presence of anti- HDV antibodies).
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness, including but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, ILD, serious chronic GI conditions associated with diarrhea, inferior vena cava thrombosis, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirement, substantially increase the risk of incurring AEs, or compromise the ability of the patient to give written informed consent.
- Prior or concomitant malignancy other than HCC unless it has been adequately treated or is considered not to affect the staging and prognosis of the patient.
- History of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.
- History of, or current, brain metastases or spinal cord compression. Patients with suspected brain metastases at screening should have an MRI (preferred) or CT, each preferably with IV contrast of the brain prior to study entry.
- Mean QT interval corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's formula (QTcF) ≥470 ms calculated from 3 ECGs (within 15 minutes at 5 minutes apart).
- Known fibrolamellar HCC, sarcomatoid HCC, or mixed cholangiocarcinoma and HCC.
- History of active primary immunodeficiency.
- Known to have tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (positive HIV 1/2 antibodies) or active tuberculosis infection (clinical evaluation that may include clinical history, physical examination and radiographic findings, or tuberculosis testing in line with local practice).
- Current or prior use of immunosuppressive medication within 14 days before the first dose of study drug(s). The following are exceptions to this criterion: a) Intranasal, inhaled, topical steroids, or local steroid injections (eg, intra-articular injection) b) Systemic corticosteroids at physiologic doses not to exceed 10 mg/day of prednisone or its equivalent c) Steroids as premedication for hypersensitivity reactions (eg, CT scan premedication).
- Receipt of live attenuated vaccine within 30 days prior to the first dose of study drug(s). Note: Patients, if enrolled, should not receive live vaccine while receiving study drug(s) and up to 30 days after the last dose of study drug(s).
- Major gastrointestinal bleeding within 4 weeks prior to randomization.
- Patients with untreated or incompletely treated varices with bleeding or high-risk for bleeding. Patients must undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and all size of varices (small to large) must be assessed and treated per local standard of care prior to enrollment. Patients who have undergone an EGD within 6 months prior to randomization do not need to repeat the procedure. Those who have received banding and/or sclerotherapy and with no bleeding event within the prior 6 months are eligible provided that a re-endoscopy is performed and that varices remained obliterated, minimal or Grade I.
- Significant vascular disease including aortic aneurysm requiring surgical repair or peripheral arterial thrombosis with 6 months prior to randomization.
- History of abdominal or tracheoesophageal fistula or gastrointestinal perforation, or intraabdominal abscess within 6 months prior to randomization.
- History or clinical signs of gastrointestinal obstruction or requirement for routine parenteral hydration, parenteral nutrition, or tube feeding. Evidence of abdominal free air that is not explained by paracentesis or recent surgical procedure.
- Evidence of bleeding diathesis or significant coagulopathy.
- Severe, non-healing or dehisced wound, active ulcer, or untreated bone fracture.
- Current or recent (within 10 days of randomization) use of acetylsalicyclic acid (> 325 mg/day) or treatment with dipyramidole, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, and cilostazol.
- Current or recent (within 10 days prior to randomization) use of full-dose oral or parenteral anticoagulants or thrombolytic agents for therapeutic purpose Prophylactic anticoagulation is allowed.
- Chronic daily treatment with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Occasional use of NSAIDs for the symptomatic relief of medical conditions such as headache or fever is allowed.
- Core biopsy or other minor surgical procedure, excluding placement of a vascular access device, within 3 days prior to the first dose of bevacizumab.
- Female patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or male or female patients of reproductive potential who are not willing to employ effective birth control from screening to 90 days after the last dose of durvalumab monotherapy or 180 days after the last dose of durvalumab plus tremelimumab combination therapy or bevacizumab therapy.
- Prior randomization or treatment in a previous durvalumab and/or tremelimumab clinical study regardless of treatment arm assignment.
Trial Status by Country
| Country | Status | Start of Recruitment | Planned Patients |
|---|---|---|---|
 Germany | Not Recruiting | 31 Mar 2023 | 35 |
 Italy | Not Recruiting | 31 Mar 2023 | 35 |
Sites & Investigators
Investigational Products
Details about the medicinal products being studied in this clinical trial.
| Product Name | Role in Trial | Formulation | Administration | Max Daily Dose | Treatment Duration | EU MP Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IMFINZI 50 mg/mL concentrate for solution for infusion. | Test | CONCENTRATE FOR SOLUTION FOR INFUSION | INTRAVENOUS INFUSION | 1500 | 24 | PRD6651398 |
TREMELIMUMAB | Test | — | CONCENTRATE FOR SOLUTION FOR INFUSION | 300 | 24 | SUB37101 |
Aybintio 25 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion. | Test | CONCENTRATE FOR SOLUTION FOR INFUSION | CONCENTRATE FOR SOLUTION FOR INFUSION | 15 | 24 | PRD8313461 |