E7050 in Combination With Cetuximab Versus Cetuximab Alone in the Treatment of Platinum-Resistant Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

An Open-Label, Multicenter, Randomized, Phase 1b/2 Study of E7050 in Combination With Cetuximab Versus Cetuximab Alone in the Treatment of Platinum-Resistant Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

The purpose of this study is to determine whether participants with platinum-resistant squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) who receive either E7050 administered with cetuximab or cetuximab alone experience greater benefit.

This open-label, multicenter, randomized study will consist of a Phase 1b: a safety run-in period with 3 ascending doses of E7050 in combination with cetuximab; and a Phase 2 portion: a randomized 2-arm period. Approximately 95 participants with platinum-resistant squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck will be enrolled in the study (10-15 participants in the Phase 1b portion and 80 participants in the Phase 2 portion). Participants will only participate in either the Phase 1b or the Phase 2 portion of the study.

In the Phase 2 portion, participants will receive study treatment (E7050 plus cetuximab or cetuximab alone) for approximately six 28-day cycles (24 weeks). Beyond 24 weeks, participants who are experiencing clinical benefit may continue E7050 plus cetuximab, cetuximab alone or E7050 alone (Arm 1), or may continue cetuximab alone (Arm 2), depending on the original randomization treatment arm, for as long as clinical benefit is sustained and the treatment is well tolerated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Platinum-resistant (defined as failure to respond to treatment with a platinum agent or recurrence of disease after initial response to platinum within 12 months of completing therapy), locally advanced, recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN, which is untreatable by surgical resection or radiation therapy
• Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) of 0-2
• Blood pressure must be well-controlled. Participants must have no history of hypertensive crisis or hypertensive encephalopathy; Adequate end organ function

Exclusion Criteria

• Nasopharyngeal tumors
• Previously received E7050, anti-angiogenic therapy, or anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy (prior anti-angiogenic/EGFR therapy is permitted in Phase 1b only. Prior cetuximab is permitted if administered in combination with radiation
• Presence of brain metastases, unless the participant has received adequate treatment at least 4 weeks prior to randomization, and is stable, asymptomatic, and off steroids for at least 4 weeks prior to randomization
• Palliative radiotherapy is not permitted throughout the study period
• Clinically significant hemoptysis
• Serious non-healing wound, ulcer, or active bone fracture
• Major surgical procedure, open biopsy or significant traumatic injury within 28 days prior to Day 1, or anticipation of need for a major surgical procedure during the course of the study
• Clinically significant gastrointestinal bleeding within 6 months prior to first dose.