PurposeThe primary objective of this sub-study, undertaken as an extension to the previously reported phase I study, was to explore the feasibility, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of belinostat when administered by the oral route. Preliminary PD studies were also performed to enable comparison of the biologic effects of the oral and intravenous formulations.
Patients and MethodsOral belinostat was administered in a range of doses and schedules (once, twice, or thrice daily), on either day 1 or days 1 -5, of the second or a subsequent treatment cycle in 15 patients who were included in the phase I trial of intravenous belinostat.Serial blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (histone acetylation) analyses, and the results compared with corresponding analyses following intravenous administration.
ResultsA total mean daily AUC of 2767 1453 ng hr/ml (8.7 4.6 M hr) resulted from a dose of 1000 mg/m 2 once daily (qd). There was no clear evidence of drug accumulation on twice daily dosing (bid) however a trend towards accumulation was apparent when belinostat was given three times daily (tid). Mean half life (T½) of a single dose of 1000 mg/m 2 was 1.5 hr ( 0.3 hr) and peak levels were reached in an average of 1.9hrs ( 0.3 hr). The half life was found to be independent of dose, but a trend towards increasing half life following multiple dosing was observed. Histone H4 4 hyperacetylation in PBMCs estimated after oral dosing was comparable to that achieved after intravenous administration.
ConclusionsHigh doses of oral belinostat, up to 1000 mg/m 2 bid for 5 consecutive days, have been tolerated in this small study. An oral formulation could lead to enhanced drug exposure and, more importantly, prolonged effects on the intended drug target. Future trials are required to establish the optimal dose and schedule of oral administration of belinostat.