A first-in-human phase I study of the oral p38 MAPK inhibitor LY2228820 dimesylate in patients with advanced cancer.

3001 Background: p38 MAPK regulates production of cytokines by the tumor microenvironment and its activation enables cancer cells to survive in the presence of oncogenic stress, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. LY2228820 is a selective small-molecule inhibitor of p38 MAPK and preclinical studies demonstrate antitumor activity as a single agent and in combination with standard agents. We performed a phase I study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of LY2228820 and to characterize its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Methods: Dose escalation was performed in a 3+3 design. LY2228820 was taken orally every 12 hours on days 1-14 of a 28-day cycle. Results: 54 patients received either capsules at 8 dose levels (10, 20, 40, 65, 90, 120, 160, and 200mg) or tablets at 5 dose levels (160, 200, 300, 420, and 560mg). For both formulations, Cmax and AUC increased in a dose-dependent manner. LY2228820 inhibited p38 MAPK induced phosphorylation of MAPKAP-...