Phase II Study of Axitinib (AG-013736) With Evaluation of the VEGF-pathway in Metastatic, Recurrent or Primary Unresectable Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma

Study Summary

Background: * Most treatments for malignant pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PHEO/PGL) are palliative and multidisciplinary. Chemotherapy using the combination of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dacarbazine has been successfully utilized in the management of rapidly progressive metastatic PHEO, with more than 50% complete or partial tumor response and more than 70% complete or partial biochemical response. * Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and evidence of angiogenesis has been found in many PHEO/PGL, so it is plausible that interfering with VEGF signaling may result in anti-tumor activity in patients with PHEO/PGL. * Axitinib (AG-013736) is an oral, potent and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors 1, 2, and 3. Pre-clinical data suggests that the anti-tumor activity of axitinib may result from its anti-angiogenic activity and that this is reversible when treatment is discontinued. * Given the known clinical safety and efficacy of axitinib, an assessment of its activity in PHEO/PGL and its impact on the VEGF pathway in PHEO/PGL could provide valuable information. Objectives: * Determine the response rate of metastatic PHEO/PGL to axitinib (AG-013736). * Determine the progression-free survival of metastatic PHEO/PGL treated with axitinib (AG-013736). * Explore the relationship of potential biological markers of axitinib activity with clinical outcomes. * Perform pharmacogenomics analyses of drug metabolism and transport proteins through germline deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) examination. Eligibility: * Adults with a confirmed pathologic diagnosis of PHEO/PGL by the Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute (NCI) * Biochemical evidence of PHEO/PGL * Imaging confirmation of metastatic, locally advanced or unresectable disease. * Measurable disease at presentation * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status less than or equal to 2 * Patients must not have received prior therapy wi

Primary Outcome

Response was assessed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Partial Response (PR) is at least a 30% decrease in the sum of the diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum diameters. Complete Response (CR) is disappearance of all target lesions. Any pathological lymph nodes (whether target or no-target) must have reduction in short axis to \<10 mm. Stable Disease (SD) is neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to qualify

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• DRUG Axitinib (AG-013736)

Study Locations (1)