Gene Electrotransfer to Muscle With Plasmid AMEP in Patients With Disseminated Cancer

Gene Electrotransfer to Muscle With Plasmid AMEP in Patients With Disseminated Cancer

Gene transfer by electroporation (gene electrotransfer) uses short electric pulses to transiently permeabilise the cell membrane enabling passage of plasmid DNA into the cell cytosol. It is an efficient non-viral method for gene delivery to various tissues. In this phase I dose-escalating study, patients will be treated with intramuscular gene electrotransfer of plasmid AMEP. Plasmid AMEP encodes protein AMEP which bind to α5β1 og αvβ3 integrins. Primary end point of the trial is safety and secondary end points are efficacy, pharmacokinetics and evaluation of potential discomfort associated with the treatment procedure using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale).

Cohorts of 3 patients will be treated with increasing doses of plasmid AMEP. Up to 12 patients will be treated.

Treatment procedure: Local anesthetic is applied to m. quadriceps femoris (thigh muscle) and the skin. An incision of the skin is performed followed by dissection until the muscle is exposed. The surgical procedure is performed by plastic surgeons.

Plasmid AMEP is injected intramuscularly and immediately followed by application of electric pulses via a needle electrode inserted into the muscle. A combination of one high voltage pulse (700V/cm, 100 µs) followed by one low voltage pulse (80 V/cm, 400 ms) will be applied. The wound is sutured and a dressing is applied. Treatment procedure is estimated to 30 minutes.

All patients are hospitalized for 24 hours after treatment for the purpose of evaluation of vital signs, physical examination, AE and SAE recording and pharmacokinetics sampling (blood and urine).

Blood biochemistry including LDH and CK is taken 24 hours post treatment. ECG will be taken before and after treatment. Patients score discomfort or pain from treated area using VAS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years.
• Performance status < 1 (ECOG).
• Histologically confirmed malignant tumor (solid tumor) of any histology,
• Metastatic disease. Patients with asymptomatic brain metastases are eligible.
• Patient should have been offered standard treatment. Patient is eligible if no standard treatment is available or if the patient does not wish to receive standard treatment.
• Life expectancy ≥ 3 months.
• Measurable disease defined as at least one measurable lesion according to RECIST 1.1
• Patient should have adequate organ function:
• Adequate bone marrow function: Neutrophil count ≥ 1.0 x 109/l (≤ grade 2 CTCAE 4.0); Platelet count ≥ 75 x 109/l (< grade 2 CTCAE 4.0); Hemoglobin ≥ 6,0 mmol/l.
• Liver: ALAT or ASAT < 3 ULN (< grade 2 CTCAE 4.0); Bilirubin ≤ 1,5 ULN (< grade 2 CTCAE 4.0); APTT within normal range; INR ≤ 1,2 (< grade 1 CTCAE 4.0)
• Kidney: Plasma creatinin ≤ 1.5 ULN (< grade 2 CTCAE 4.0)
• At least 4 weeks since any anti-cancer treatment.
• Men and women of reproductive age must use effective contraception during the study and at least 6 months after administration of plasmid AMEP.
• Patient should be able to understand the participant information and able to comply with protocol requirements and scheduled visits.
• Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to the anaesthetic used.
• Clinical signs of active infection.
• Implanted pacemaker, defibrillator or any other implanted electronic device.
• Participation in other clinical trials involving experimental drugs or participation in a clinical trial within 4 weeks before initiation of study treatment.
• AMI (acute myocardial infarction), stroke or acute ischemic event within the last 6 months.
• Severe atherosclerosis, significant cardiovascular disease (NYHA III or IV) or significant arrhythmias.
• Systolic blood pressure above 180 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure above 110 mm Hg. If BP >180/110 mm Hg medical correction is allowed and the patient can be included when BP < 180/110 mm Hg.
• Pregnancy and lactation.
• Clinically significant coagulopathy.
• Treatment with anticoagulant drugs.
• Other disorders which the investigator finds incompatible with participation in the study.