A phase I clinical trial of CHT-25 a 131I-labeled chimeric anti-CD25 antibody showing efficacy in patients with refractory lymphoma

Abstract

Purpose: There is a need for new treatments for Hodgkin and T-cell lymphoma due to the development of drug resistance in a proportion of patients. This phase I study of radioimmunotherapy used CHT-25, a chimeric antibody to the α-chain of the interleukin-2 receptor, CD25, conjugated to iodine-131 (131I) in patients with refractory CD25-positive lymphomas. Experimental Design: Fifteen patients were treated (Hodgkin lymphoma, 12; angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, 1; adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, 2). Tumor was monitored by computed tomography and in all but two patients by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Results: There were no grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. At the maximum tolerated dose of 1,200 MBq/m2, the major side effect was delayed myelotoxicity with the nadir for platelets at 38 days and for neutrophils at 53 days. One patient treated with 2,960 MBq/m2 developed prolonged grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia and died of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. Nonhematologic toxicity was mild. Single photon emission computer tomography imaging showed tumor-specific uptake and retention of 131I and no excessive retention in normal organs. Of nine patients receiving ≥1,200 MBq/m 2, six responded (three complete response and three partial response); one of six patients with administered radioactivity of ≤740 MBq/m2 had a complete response. Conclusions: CHT-25 is well tolerated with 1,200 MBq/m2 administered radioactivity and shows clinical activity in patients who are refractory to conventional therapies. Phase II studies are justified to determine efficacy and toxicity in a broader range of clinical scenarios. © 2009 American Association for Cancer Research.