A phase I trial of the HSP90 inhibitor, alvespimycin (17-DMAG) administered weekly, intravenously, to patients with advanced, solid tumours

3534 Background: alvespimycin (17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin, 17-DMAG) inhibits N-terminal ATPase activity of Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90). Chaperone interactions are altered such that client proteins are targeted for degradation. The plethora of HSP90 client proteins offers the potential of simultaneous blockade across multiple, oncogenic signalling pathways. Methods: the maximum tolerated dose, at which ≤ 1/6 patients experienced dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was determined by dose-doubling (3+3) design. PK and PD biomarker data were used to define a biologically effective dose (BED). PK (LC/MS/MS) and PD (western blot) assays were validated and compliant with European clinical trial legislation. Cancer Research UK and the NCI were co-sponsors. Results: twenty five patients, median age 58 (range 38–78) years, received 475 infusions at doses between 2.5 and 106 mg/m2. Dose doubling was possible to 80mg/m2 when grade 2 toxicity, including dry eye and blurred vision (2/5 patients) occ...