New cancer drug VDC-1101 tested for skin lymphoma in dogs

Abstract

Abstract Background Canine cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an uncommon disease for which efficacious therapies are lacking. The novel anticancer nucleotide prodrug VDC-1101 (formerly known as GS-9219) has shown efficacy in dogs with multicentric lymphoma. One of the observed adverse effects with this drug was a skin change characterized by hair loss, erythema, and pruritus, implying delivery of VDC-1101 to the skin. Hypothesis/Objectives The primary study objective was to identify the objective response rate (ORR) to VDC-1101 in canine CTCL; secondary objectives included characterization of progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse events (AEs). Animals Twelve dogs with chemotherapy-naïve or relapsed, histologically and immunohistochemically confirmed CTCL. Methods Dogs received VDC-1101 as a 30-minute IV infusion once every 21 days. Prednisone (1 mg/kg PO q48h) was administered concurrently. Results In 11 evaluable patients, responses included 1 complete response (CR), 4 partial responses (PR), 2 stable disease (SD), and 4 progressive disease for an ORR of 45% and biologic response rate (CR/PR/SD) of 64%. The median PFS was 37.5 days (26 to >399 days), which includes 1 durable and ongoing CR (>1 year). Gastrointestinal and hematologic AEs were mild; no dogs developed grade 3 or 4 AEs. Three dogs developed dermatopathies and 1 of these dogs was removed from the study as a result of this AE. Conclusions and Clinical Importance VDC-1101 has activity against canine CTCL and could provide another treatment option in a disease process with a poor prognosis.