WO2008033041A1

WO2008033041A1 - Cancer treatment

Info

Publication number: WO2008033041A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2007/000268
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adam Vorn Patterson; Paul Adrian Cossum
Original assignee: Auckland Uniservices Ltd; PROACTA Inc
Current assignee: Auckland Uniservices Ltd; PROACTA Inc
Priority date: 2006-09-11
Filing date: 2007-09-11
Publication date: 2008-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2009-03-11

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for the treatment of cancer in a warm-blooded animal such as a human, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a compound of: Formula (I) wherein: X represents at any available ring position -CONH-, -SO2NH-, -O-, -CH2, -NHCO- or -NHSO2-; R represents a lower C1-6 alkylene optionally substituted with one or more groups including hydroxyl, amino and N-oxides therefrom or dialkylamino and N-oxides therefrom; Y represents at any available ring position -N-aziridinyl, -N(CH2CH2W)2 or -N(CH2CHMeW)2, where each W is independently selected from halogen or -OSO2Me; Z represents at any available ring position -NO2, -halogen, -CN, -CF3 or -SO2Me; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, before, after or simultaneously with an effective amount of bevacizumba (Avastin®).

Description

CANCER TREATMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to methods fot treating cancer and to compositions for use therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cancer is a significant cause of death, particularly in industrialised nations. While there are a number of anti-cancer therapies now available, there remains a need for new approaches to treating cancer which offer better outcomes for patients. It is towards one such approach that the present invention is directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is broadly based upon the unexpected and surprising finding that compounds of Formula (I) and their salts as defined in WO 2005/042471 used in combination with anti-VEGF agent bevacizumab (Avastin®) produces significantly better effects than either agent alone.

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the production of an anti-cancer effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I)

wherein: X represents at any available ring position -CONH-, -SO₂NH-, -O-, -CH_2., -NHCO- or -NHSO₂-;

R represents a lower Cl -6 alkylene optionally substituted with one or more groups including hydroxy, amino and N-oxides therefrom or dialkylamino and N-oxides therefrom;

Y represents at any available ring position — N-aziridinyl, -N(CH₂CH₂N)C)₂ or — N(CH₂CHMeW)₂, where each W is independently selected from halogen or -OSO₂Me; Z represents at any available ring position -NO₂, -halogen, -CN, -CF₃ or -SO₂Me; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, before, after or simultaneously with an effective amount of bevacizumab.

Anti-cancer effects include, but are not limited to, anti-tumor effects, the response rate, the time to disease progression and the survival rate. Anti-tumor effects include but are not limited to, inhibition of tumor,-growth, tumor growth delay, regression of tumor, shrinkage of tumor, increased time to regrowth of tumor' on cessation of treatment and slowing of disease progression.

An "effective amount" includes amounts of the compound which provide an anti-cancer effect on their own as well as amounts of the compound which, while being less than a therapeutic dose for the compound as a monotherapy, do provide an anti-cancer effect when the second compound is administered in combination.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the treatment of a cancer in a warm-blooded animal such as a human, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) as defined above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, before, after or simultaneously with an effective amount of bevacizumab.

Preferably, in each such method, the compound of Formula (I) or salt or derivative thereof and bevacizumab may each be administered together with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a therapeutic combination treatment comprising the administration of an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) as defined above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, optionally together with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier, and the simultaneous, sequential or separate administration of an effective amount of bevacizumab, optionally together with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier, to a warm-blooded animal such as a human in need of such therapeutic treatment.

Such therapeutic treatment includes an anti-cancer effect and an anti-tumor effect.

A combination treatment of the present invention as defined herein may be achieved by way of the simultaneous, sequential or separate administration of the individual components of said treatment. A combination treatment as defined herein may be applied as a sole therapy or may involve surgery or radiotherapy or an additional chemotherapeutic agent in addition to a combination treatment of the invention.

Surgery may comprise the step of partial or complete tumor resection, prior to, during or after the administration of the combination treatment described herein.

The effect of a combination treatment of the present invention is expected to be a synergistic effect. According to the present invention a combination treatment is defined as affording a synergistic effect if the effect is therapeutically superior, as measured by, for example, the extent of the response, the response rate, the time to disease progression or the survival period, to that achievable on dosing one or other of the components of the combination treatment at its conventional dose. For example, the effect of the combination treatment is synergistic if the effect is therapeutically superior to the effect achievable with a compound of Formula (I) or bevacizumab alone. Further, the effect of the combination treatment is synergistic if a beneficial effect is obtained in a group of patients that does not respond (or responds poorly) to a compound of Formula (I) or bevacizumab alone. In addition, the effect of the combination treatment is defined as affording a synergistic effect if one of the components is dosed at its conventional dose and the other component(s) is/are dosed at a reduced dose and the therapeutic effect, as measured by, for example, the extent of the response, the response rate, the time to disease progression or the survival period, is equivalent to that achievable on dosing conventional amounts of the components of the combination treatment. In particular, synergy is deemed to be present if the conventional dose of compound of Formula (I) or bevacizumab may be reduced without detriment to one or more of the extent of the response, the response rate, the time to disease progression and survival data, in particular without detriment to the duration of the response, but with fewer and/or less troublesome side effects than those that occur when conventional doses of each component are used.

Combination treatments of the present invention may be used to treat cancer, particularly a cancer involving a solid tumor. In particular such combination treatments of the invention are expected to slow advantageously the growth of primary and recurrent solid tumors of, for example, the ovary, colon, stomach, brain, thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, pancreas, bladder, breast, prostate, lungs, kidney, liver, head and neck (including esophageal), cervix, endometrium, vulva, skin and connective tissues or bone. More especially combination treatments of the present invention are expected to slow advantageously the growth of tumors in colorectal cancer and in lung cancer, for example mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). More particularly such combination treatments of the invention are expected to inhibit any form of cancer associated with VEGF including leukaemia, multiple myeloma and -lymphoma and also, for example, to inhibit the growth of those primary and recurrent solid tumors which are associated with VEGF, especially those tumors which are significantly dependent on VEGF for their growth and spread, including for example, certain tumors of the kidney, ovary, colon (including rectum), brain, thyroid, pancreas, bladder, breast, prostate, lung, vulva, skin and particularly NSCLC.

The therapeutic combination of the invention may be administered in the form of a combination product or a pharmaceutical composition. Therefore, according to one further aspect of the present invention there is provided a combination product comprising a compound of Formula (I) as defined above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, and bevacizumab.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable" is to be understood as meaning that which is useful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe, non-toxic, and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable and includes that which is acceptable for veterinary as well as human pharmaceutical use.

Pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives of the compounds of formula (I) are to be understood as including amides and esters, that are pharmaceutically acceptable, as defined herein. Esters include carboxylic acid esters in which the non-carbonyl moiety of the ester grouping is selected from straight or branched chain C_1-6 alkyl, (methyl, n-propyl, n-butyl or t-butyl); or C_3-6 cyclic alkyl (e.g. cyclohexyl), or a chain of from one to three D- or L- aminoacids. Amides include non-substituted and mono- and di-substituted derivatives.

Such derivatives may be prepared by techniques known per se in the art of pharmacy.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable salts" of a compound means salts that are pharmaceutically acceptable, as defined herein, and that possess the desired pharmacological activity of the parent compound. Such salts include: acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and the like; or formed with organic acids such as acetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and the like; or salts formed when an acidic proton present in the parent compound either is replaced by a metal ion, e.g. an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth ion, or an aluminium ion; or coordinates with an organic or inorganic base. Acceptable organic bases include ethanolamine, diethanolamine, N-methylglucamine, triethanolamine and the like. Acceptable inorganic bases include aluminium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound of Formula (I) as defined above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, and bevacizumab, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier.

Kits may also be provided. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit comprising a compound of Formula (I) as defined above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, and bevacizumab.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit comprising: a) a compound of Formula (I) as defined above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof in a first unit dosage form; b) bevacizumab in a second unit dosage form; and c) container means for containing said first and second dosage forms.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof and bevacizumab in the preparation of a medicament for producing an anti-cancer effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human.

In still a further aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof and bevacizumab in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of cancer in a warm-blooded animal such as a human.

Although the invention is broadly as defined above, it also includes embodiments of which the following description provides examples.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention.'will be better understood through reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1-6 graphically represent the effect on tumor weight of various treatment regimes (single agent and combinations) in the HT-29 human colon tumor xenograft model using bevacizumab (Avastin®) and the preferred compound of Formula (I), PR-104; and Figures 7 and 8 graphically represent the effect on percent survival on various treatment regimes (single agent and combinations) in the HT-29 human colon tumor xenograft model using bevacizumab (Avastin®) and the preferred compound of Formula (I), PR-104.

DETAILEDfDESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is primarily based upon the surprising finding of synergism between anticancer agents. One agent is the anti-VEGF agent bevacizumab (Avastin) which is commercially available from Genentech, Inc under the trade name Avastin ®. The second agent is a compound of Formula (I) as defined and described in PCT/NZ2004/000275 (published as WO 2005/042471), with the compound 2-[2-bromoethyl)-2,4-dinitro-6-[[[2- phosphonooxy)ethyl]amino]-carbonyl]anilino]ethyl methane sulfonate (known as PR-104) being representative.

The agents are administered in combination. It is to be understood that "combination" encompasses the simultaneous or sequential administration of the agents, with "sequential" meaning either agent can be administered before or after the other provided only that the delay in administering the second agent should not be such as to lose the benefit of the combination therapy.

The agents may also be in any appropriate form for administration. Commonly, the agents will be formulated for parenteral injection (including intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravascular or infusion) for example as a sterile solution, suspension or emulsion. However, other formulations are in no way excluded.

In general the compositions described herein may be prepared in a conventional manner using conventional excipients and/or carriers, including liposomal or albumin carriers.

Where intended for parenteral injection for example, the component agents can be formulated in accordance widi manufacturer's instructions or as described below in the experimental section.

The dosages and schedules of administration of the component agents may be varied according to the particular disease state and overall condition of the patient. Administration may be at single-agent dosages (up to 100 mg/m² for Avastin®) employed in current clinical practice for either agent or for both. More commonly, however, the dose of one or both agents will be reduced below single-agent clinical practice, both to reflect the therapeutic benefit of the combination and to minimise the potential for toxicity. Any and all such dose combinations can be employed subject to the component agents being present in amounts which combine to produce an anti-cancer effect.

The final dose, and dose scheduling, will be determined by the practitioner treating the particular patient using professional skill and knowledge.

A combination treatment of the present invention is most desirably a sole therapy but is not limited to that - it may in addition involve surgery or radiotherapy or the administration of a chemotherapeutic agent.

Surgery may comprise the step of partial or complete tumor resection, prior to, during or after the administration of the combination treatment of the present invention. Chemotherapeutic agents for optional use with the combination treatment of the present invention may include, for example, the following categories of therapeutic agent:

(i) antiproliferative/antineoplastic drugs and combinations thereof as used in medical oncology (for example carbop latin and cisplatin); (ϋ) cytostatic agents, for example inhibitors of growth factor function such as growth factor antibodies, growth factor receptor antibodies (for example the anti-erbB2 antibody trastuzumab and the anti-erbBl antibody cetuximab), Class I receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (for example inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor family), Class II receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (for example inhibitors of the insulin growth factor family such as IGFl receptor inhibitors as described, for example, by Chakravarti et al., Cancer ^search, 2002, 62: 200-207), serine/threonine kinase inhibitors, farnesyl transferase inhibitors and platelet- derived growth factor inhibitors;

(iii),rf other antiangiogenic agents such as those which inhibit the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (for example VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(l-methylpiperidin-4- ylmethoxy)quinazoline (ZD6474; Example 2 within WO 01/32651), 4-(4-fluoro- 2-rnethylindol-5-yloxy)-6-rnethoxy-7-(3-pyrrolidin-l-ylpropoxy)quinazoline (AZD2171; within WO 00/47212), vatalanib (PTK787; WO 98/35985) and SU11248 (WO 01/60814));

(iv) vascular damaging agents such as the compounds disclosed in International Patent Applications WO 99/02166, WO 00/40529, WO 00/41669, WO 01/92224, ■••;^•• WO 02/04434 and WO 02/08213;

(v) biological response modifiers (for example interferon); and (vi) a bisphosphonate such as tiludronic acid, ibandronic acid, incadronic acid, risedronic acid, zoledronic acid, clodronic acid, neridronic acid, pamidronic acid and alendronic acid.

Radiotherapy may be administered according to the known practices in clinical radiotherapy. The dosages of ionising radiation will be those known for use in clinical radiotherapy. The radiation therapy used will include for example the use of γ-rays, X-rays, and/or the directed delivery of radiation from radioisotopes. Other forms of DNA damaging factors are also included in the present invention such as microwaves and UV- irradiation. For example X-rays may be dosed in daily doses of 1.8-2.0Gy, 5 days a week for 5-6 weeks. Normally a total fractionated dose will lie in the range 45-60Gy. Single larger doses, for example 5-1 OGy may be administered as part of a course of radiotherapy. Single doses may be administered intraoperatively. Hyperfractionated radiotherapy may be used whereby small doses of X-rays are administered regularly over a period of time, for example 0.1Gy per hour over a number of days. Dosage ranges for radioisotopes vary widely, and depend on the half-life of the isotope, the strength and type of radiation emitted, and on the uptake by cells.

The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the synergistic interaction between bevacizumab as Avastin ® and PR-104 in the experimental section which follows.

EXPERIMENTAL

Introduction PR- 104 was tested as a single agent and in combination with Avastin^® in the HT-29 human colon tumor xenograft model. An initial combination dose toleration study was completed to assess the safety of coadministered PR-104 and Avastin ®. Efficacy was determined by the in-study tumor growth inhibition and survival for single agent and combination treatment regimens.

Materials and Methods

Reagents and Compounds

PR-104 (Lot#309-01-001) was prepared using the methods described in WO 2005/042471 and stored as single use 400 mg vials at -20° C until used. Immediately prior to use, 2.0 ml of Water for Injection (WFI) (Baxter, Deerfield, IL) was added to reconstitute the preservative- free lyophilized cake. PR-104 was further diluted with PBS (Gibco, Carlsbad, CA) to working concentrations of 10, 15, 18, 60 and 70 mg/ml. Avastin® (Lot#M46866, Genentech) was diluted with 0.9% NaCI solution immediately prior to dosage administration to working concentrations of 0.625 and 1.0 mg/ml. Cell Culture

The HT-29 tumor cell line (Miknyoczki, SJ, et al. Chemopotentiation of Temozolomide, Irinotecan, and Cisplatin Activity by CEP-6800, a Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor. MoI. Cancer Ther. 2:371-382, 2003.) was received from American Type Tissue Collection (ATCC, Manassas, VA). Cultures were maintained in RPMI 1640 (Mediatech, Herdon, VA) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Mediatech) and incubated in a 37°C, 5% CO₂ atmosphere.

Animals Female ICR SCID mice, IcrTac:ICR-Pri^^<sαd> were supplied by Taconic (Hudson,

NY). Mice were received at five weeks of age and were acclimated seven days prior to handling. Animals were housed in an ammonia-free environment in individually isolated cages. Mice were provided sterile food and water ad libitum. All procedures were carried out under appropriate animal care and use guidelines.

Dose Toleration Assessment

Mice were randomized into nine treatment groups of five mice as described in Table 1. Prior to treatment initiation each mouse was weighed. Following initial treatment, each mouse was weighed daily and monitored twice daily during the dosing period. Each mouse was assessed individually for any gross signs of toxicity. After 32 days, mice were sacrificed with CO₂.

Table 1. PR-104 and Avastin ® Dose Toleration Regimens ij _Cx_ijl Θllill

^"1 PR-104 180mg/kg IP QD x 14 Day 4

2 PR-104 150mg/kg IP QD x 14 Day 4

3 PR-104 180mg/kg IP QD x 14 Day 4 Avastin 125μg/dse IP Q3Dx5 Day 1

4 PR-104 150mg/kg IP QD x 14 Day 4 Avastin 125μg/dse IP Q3Dx5 Day 1

5 PR-104 100mg/kg IP QD x 14 Day 4 Avastin 125μg/dse IP Q3Dx5 Day 1

6 PR-104 700mg/kg IP Q7D x 3 Day 3

7 PR-104 700mg/kg IP Q7Dx3 Day 3 Avastin 200 μg/dse IP Q7Dx3 Day 1

PR-104 600mg/kg IP Q7Dx3 Day 3 Avastin 200 μg/dse IP Q7Dx3 Day 1

9 PR-104 500mg/kg IP Q7Dx3 Day 3 Avastin 200 μg/dse IP Q7Dx3 Day 1

HT-29 Human Colon Tumor Xenograft Model

Each mouse was inoculated subcutaneously with 0.1 ml of a 50% RPMI / 50% Matrigel ^{1 M} (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA) mixture containing a suspension of tumor cells (1 x 10⁷ cells/mouse).

Eight days following inoculation, tumors were measured and tumor weight calculated using the formula: Tumor weight (mg) = (a x b²/2) where 'b' is the smallest diameter and 'a' is the largest diameter (Britten CD, et al. Enhanced antitumor activity of 6- hydroxymethylacylfulvene in combination with irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil in the HT29 human colon tumor xenograft model. Cancer Res 59:1049-1053, 1999.). Once the established tumors reached 180.9 ± 10.9 mg (mean ± SEM), the mice were pair-matched into the various treatment groups (Day 1). Body weights were recorded when the mice were pair-matched. In addition, body weight measurements were taken twice weekly thereafter in conjunction with tumor measurements. On Day 1, Avastin was administered intraperitoneally at 150 and 200 μg per dose. PR-104 was administered intraperitoneally; initial doses were given on Days 2, 3, 4, and 6 as described below (Table 2). When individual tumors reached die end-point of 2000 mg, the mouse was sacrificed by asphyxiation with regulated CO₂.

Table 2. PR- 104 and Avastin ® Xenograft Dose Regimens ϊβl! liisϊsEl&Kilfeii ϊ23jj|§(§ig . Initial'Doseϊi

1 Control — IP QD x 14 Day 4

2 PR-104 150mg/kg IP QD x 14 Day 4

3 PR-104 600mg/kg IP Q7D x 3 Day 6

4 Avastin 125μg/dse IP Q3D x 5 Day 1

5 Avastin 200μg/dse IP Q7D x 3 Day 1

PR-104 150mg/kg IP QD x 14 Day 4

6 Avastin 125μg/dse IP Q3D x 5 Day 1

PR-104 600mg/kg IP Q7D x 3 Day 2

7 Avastin 200 μg/dse IP Q7D x 3 Day 1

PR-104 600mg/kg IP Q7D x 3 Day 3

8 Avastin 200 μg/dse IP Q7D x 3 Day 1

PR-104 600mg/kg IP Q7D x 3 Day 4

9 Avastin 200 μg/dse IP Q7D x 3 Day 1

PR-104 600mg/kg IP Q7D x 3 Day 6

10 Avastin 200 μg/dse IP Q7D x 3 Day 1 Tumor Growth Inhibition Calculations

Tumor Growth Inhibition (TGI) was calculated utilizing the following formula:

I YTreated(Fmai) - jf Treated(Dayl) J

%TGI=[1— — — ] X 100 ( Y Control(Final) — Y Contol(Dayl)^

Tumors that regressed from the Day 1 starting size were removed from the group's

Day 1 and Final Day mean, and new means were calculated for the respective group prior to calculated TGI. Individual tumor shrinkage (TS) was calculated using the formula below for tumors that showed regression relative to Day 1 tumor weight. The mean tumor shrinkage of each group was calculated and reported.

(Tumor Weight (Final)) %TS =[1— ] X 100 (Tumor Weight (Day i>)

Statistical Analysis

All statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism® v4 software.

Survival fractions were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival curves were compared using the log rank test and median survival was calculated and reported.

Analyses of relative tumor weights were completed by ANOVA utilizing Dunnett's

Multiple Comparison Post-test.

RESULTS

Dose Toleration Assessment (Table 3, Figures 1 and 2)

Administration of PR-104 in fourteen serial doses at 150 and 180 mg/kg resulted in maximum weight loss of 6.0% (Day 15) and 6.6% (Day 11), respectively. The PR-104 doses of 100, 150, and 180 mg/kg coadministered with Avastin ® 125 μg/dose had maximum weight losses of 4.9% (Day 11), 10.5% Day 15), and 10.3% (Day 15), respectively. No additional signs of gross toxicity were noted, and animals maintained normal activity throughout the study.

Singly agent PR-104 700 mg/kg administered Q7DX3 resulted in a maximum weight loss of 11.9% (Day 13). Mild lethargy was noted following PR-104 administration with one death occurring on Day 25. Remaining animals showed overall toleration of treatment. Combining the PR-104 700 m/kg dose with Avastin® 200 μg/dose (Q7DX3) demonstrated a maximum weight loss of 10.1% (Day 6). Mild lediargy was observed following PR-104 dose. One deadi occurred on Day 28; remaining animals maintained normal activity with no additional signs of toxicity. PR-104 500 and 600 mg/kg given in combination with Avastin® 200 μg/dose resulted in maximum weight losses of 6.6% and 7.2%, respectively. Mild lethargy was observed following doses of PR- 104 500 and 600 mg/kg. No further gross signs of toxicity were noted.

Table 3. Dose Toleration Assessment

"Beginning Day 3

HT-29 Human Colon Tumor Xenograft Model

The HT-29 human colon tumor xenograft is a moderate growing tumor line; the vehicle control group reached a mean tumor weight of 967.3 mg by Day 15 and produced a median survival of 29 days to the 2000 mg endpoint (Figure 1, 2).

The antitumor activity of PR-104 150 mg/kg (Figures 3, 5, and 7, Tables 4-7) as a single agent produced a mean tumor weight of 474.4 mg and a TGI of 62.6% at Day 15 and an overall median survival of 52 days (Min: 43 days, Max: 61 days). Mean tumor weight (Day 15) was reduced (P<0.01) and there was an increase in survival compared to control (P<0.0001). A maximum weight loss of approximately 9.6% was observed at Day 19 with minimal weight loss continuing with increasing tumor burden. Mice maintained normal activity and exhibited no gross signs of toxicity.

Single agent PR-104 600 mg/kg (Figures 4, 6 and 8, Tables 4, 5 and 7) generated a

TGI of 63.9% (Day 15) and a median survival of 50 days (Min: 47 days, Max: 120 days). The difference in the length of survival compared to vehicle control is statistically significant (P<0.0001). The maximum weight loss of 9.4% was observed at Day 22.

Animals maintained normal activity and no evidence of toxicity was recorded.

Avastin® 125 μg/dose (Figures 3, 5, and 7, Tables 4-7) administered alone resulted in a TGI of 66.2% and a median survival of 47 days (Min: 43 days, Max: 57 days). The decreased tumor weight and increased survival are statistically significant compared to control (P<0.01 and P<0.0001, respectively). There was no weight loss or signs of toxicity due to treatment.

Avastin® 200 μg/dose (Figures 4,6, and 8, Tables 4-7) administered as a single agent resulted in a TGI of 68.2% and a median survival of 50 days (Min: 43 days, Max: 96 days). Decreased tumor weight and increased survival are statistically significant compared to control (P<0.01 and P<0.0001, respectively. There was no weight loss or signs of toxicity due to treatment.

The combination regimen of PR-104 150 mg/kg and Avastin® 125 μg/dose

(Figures 3, 5, and 7, Tables 4-7) demonstrated a TGI of 82.4% and tumor shringage of 50.4% in 1 of 12 animals. A median survival of 62.5 days (Min: 54 days, Max: 120 days) was observed through the course of the study. Two complete regressions occurred (Day 47 and Day 82) with no recurrence. The combination regimen resulted in statistically lower mean tumor weights (P<0.01) and a significant increase in length of survival (P<0.01) as compared to PR-104 150 mg/kg single agent and Avastin 125 μg/dose single agent. The treatment regimen was well-tolerated with a maximum transient weight loss of approximately 4.3%. Mice exhibited no additional signs of toxicity and maintained normal activity.

PR-104 600 mg/kg (Day 2) and Avastin® 200 μg/dose (Figures 4, 6, and 8, Tables 4-7) administered in combination generated tumor shrinkages in 7 of 12 animals with a mean of 32.2% and a TGI of 96.4%. Median survival was 82 days (Min: 64 days, Max: 120 days) through the course of the study. A statistically significant improvement in survival (P<0.01) and Day 15 mean tumor weight (P<0.01) was achieved for this combination compared to the single agents when administered as monotherapy. The animals tolerated the treatment with a maximum weight loss of 2.1% at Day 19. No overt signs of toxicity were observed and animals maintained normal activity.

PR-104 600 mg/kg (Day 3) and Avastin® 200 μg/dose (Figures 4, 6, and 8, Tables 4-7) administered in combination produced tumor shrinkages in 3 of 12 animals with a mean of 27.3% and a TGI of 91.7% for the remaining animals. Median survival was 71.5 days (Min: 40 days, Max: 120 days) through the course of the study. A statistically significant improvement in survival (P<0.01) and Day 15 mean tumor weight (P<0.01) was observed for this combination compared to the single agents when administered as monotherapy. One complete regression occurred by Day 92. The animals tolerated the treatment recording a maximum weight loss of 1.1%. One mouse was found dead on Day 40 and the cause of death was not determined. The remaining mice exhibited no overt signs of toxicity and sustained normal activity. PR-104 600 mg/kg (Day 4) and Avastin® 200 μg/dose (Figures 4, 6, and 8, Tables 4-7) administered in combination produced tumor shrinkages in 4 of 12 animals with a mean of 43.7% and a TGI of 94.5% for the remaining animals. Median survival was 76.5 days (Min: 64 days, Max: 120 days). A statistically significant improvement in survival (P<0.01) and Day 15 mean tumor weight (P<0.01) was achieved for this combination compared to the single agents when administered as monotherapy. The animals tolerated the treatment recording a maximum weight loss of 3.4%. No additional signs of toxicity were observed and animals maintained normal activity.

PR-104 600 mg/kg (Day 6) and Avastin® 200 μg/dose (Figures 4, 6, and 8, Tables 4-7) administered in combination resulted in a TGI of 89.2% for the remaining animals. Median survival was 75 days (Min: 64 days, Max: 120 days) with one complete regression occurring by Day 47. A statistically significant improvement in survival

(P<0.01) and Day 15 mean tumor weight (P<0.01) was obtained for this combination compared to the single agents when administered as monotherapy. No additional signs of toxicity were observed and animals maintained normal activity.

Table 4. Day 15 Tumor growth inhibition

Table 5. Median Survival i ■H H I(|jjj2j|f5i(llll( Il IBϊliϊII9ifillIIi2IS HHi IEIiBIiR

1 Control 12 -- IP QDx 14 29.4 ±26 29 0 0

2 PR-104 12 150mg/kg IP QDx 14 521 ± 16 52 0 0

3 PR-104 12 600mg/kg IP Q7Dx3 56.2 ± 5.9 50 0 0

4 Avastiπ 12 125ug/dse IP Q3Dx5 490 ±1.7 47 0 0

5 Avastin 12 200ug/dse IP Q7Dx3 54.9 ±47 50 0 1

6 PR-104 12 150mg/kg IP QD x 14 (Day4) 730 ± 67 62.5 2 0 Avastin 125ug/dse IP Q3Dx5

7 PR-104 12 600mg/kg IP Q7D x 3 (Day-2) 874 ±4.8 82 0 0 Avastin 200ug/dse IP Q7Dx3

8 PR-104 12 600mg/kg IP Q7D x 3 (Day 3) 74.3 ±5.8 71.5 1 1 Avastin 200ug/dse IP Q7Dx3

9 PR-104 12 600mg/kg IP Q7D (Day 4) 87.5 ±7.1 76.5 0 0 Avastin 200ug/dse IP Q7Dx3

10 PR-104 12 600mg/kg IP Q7D x 3 (Day 6) 79.2 ±4.9 75 1 0 Avastin 200ug/dse IP Q7Dx3

=Complete Shπnkage

Table 6. ANOVA comparisons of Day 15 mean tumor weights

Table 7. Logrank comparisons of survival curves IIi

;

Table 8. Significant body weight trends

1 Control 12 — IP QDx14 204 ± 13 07 202 ± 16 -06

2 PR-104 12 150mg/kg IP QDx14 186±20 -92 -

3 PR-104 12 600mg/kg IP Q7DX3 - 186±18 94

4 Avastin 12 125ug/dse IP Q3Dx5 224 ± 17 61 ~

5 Avastiπ 12 200ug/dse IP Q7Dx3 ^~- 222 ± 16 78

6 PR-104 12 ' 150mg/kg IP QDx14(Day4) 200 ± 15 -43 — Avastin 125ug/dsβ IP Q30x5

7 PR-104 12 600mg/kg IP Q7Dx3 (Day 2) - - 197±19 -38 Avastin 200ug/dse IP Q7Dx3

8 PR-104 12 600mg/kg IP Q7Dx3 (Day 3) - - 206 ± 17 Avastin 200ug/dse IP Q7Dx3

9 PR-104 12 600mg/kg IP Q7Dx3 (Day 4) - - 204 ± 19 17 Avastin 200ug/dse IP Q7Dx3

10 PR-104 12 600mg/kg IP Q7Dx3(Day6) - - 196±17 Avastin 200ug/dse IP Q7Dx3

Table 9. ANOVA comparisons of body weights

DISCUSSION

A dose toleration and efficacy determination of PR-104 delivered as a single agent and co-administered with the anti-angiogenic agent, Avastin® in the HT-29 human colon tumor xenograft model was completed.

By gross assessment, combining PR-104 with Avastin® is generally well-tolerated at doses tested in the toxicity study. One death in each group receiving PR- 104 700 mg/kg occurred, which defines that dose as the maximum tolerated dose at the Q7Dx3 schedule in the model system tested. Doses for the efficacy study were determined empirically by the dose toleration study; efficacy was determined using the in-study tumor growth inhibition (TGI) and the overall increase of survival to the endpoint (2000 mg). TGI was determined at Day 15, the final day that all animals remained in their respective groups.

Single agent PR-104 at 150 mg/kg (QDxl4) andόOO mg (Q7Dx3) demonstrated growth inhibition activity equivalent to single agent Avastin ® and superior to vehicle control (P<0.01). The PR-104 150 mg/kg / Avastin ® 125μg/dose combination regimen significantly enhanced efficacy with increased growth inhibition and increase in survival fraction compared to single agent PR-104 and single agent Avastin ®. PR-104 600 mg/kg was co-administered with Avastin® beginning on Days 2, 3, 4, or 6. All four combination regimens resulted in a significant decrease in mean tumor weight (P<0.01) and increase in survival fractions (P<0.01) compared to their single agent counterparts. Initiating PR- 104 treatment on Day 2 produces significantly lower mean tumor weights and 7 of 12 tumor shrinkages when compared to PR-104 administration on Day 3 and Day 6. There was not a statistically significant increase in survival fractions between the four regimens. However, PR- 104 600 mg/kg (Day 2) produced a median survival of 82 days compared to 71.5, 76.5 and 75 days demonstrated by PR-104 600 mg/kg (Day 3), PR-104 600 mg/kg pay 4), and PR-104 600 mg/kg Day 6), respectively.

In addition, when comparing body weights at days where single agent PR-104 150 and 600 mg/kg (Days 15 and 22, respectively) Days 15 and 22, respectively) experienced the greatest weight loss against Avastin ® combination cohorts, an overall protective effect is suggested. On Day 15, single agent PR-104 150 mg/kg resulted in a weight loss of 9.2% while the PR-104 150 mg/kg / Avastin ® combination resulted in a weight loss of 4.3% (Table 8). PR-104 600 mg/kg group resulted in 9.4% on Day 22 compared to -3.8 — 1.7% weight changes seen in PR-104 600 mg/kg / Avastin ® treatment groups (Table 8).

CONCLUSION

These results clearly demonstrate a synergistic interaction between PR-104 and bevacizumab as Avastin®. This represents a significant advance over single agent treatment, particularly in terms of tumor growth delay.

While the present invention is broadly as described above, those persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific description provided is illustrative only and that modifications and variations are contemplated without departing from the invention. For example, a compound of Formula (I) other than PR-104 may be used in combination with Avastin, and doses of the active agents different to those described can also be used while still achieving the beneficial anti-cancer and anti-tumor effects. It will therefore be understood that the scope of the invention is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for the production of an anti-cancer effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I)

wherein:

X represents at any available ring position -CONH-, -SO₂NH-, -O-, -CH₂, -NHCO- or -

NHSO₂-;

R represents a lower C 1-6 alkylene optionally substituted with one or more groups including hydroxyl, amino and N-oxides therefrom or dialkylamino and N-oxides therefrom; Y represents at any available ring position -N-aziridinyl, -N(CH₂CH₂W)₂ or -N(CH₂CHMeW)₂, where each W is independently selected from halogen or -OSO₂Me;

Z represents at any available ring position -NO₂, -halogen, -CN, -CF₃ or -SO₂Me; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, before, after or simultaneously with an effective amount of bevacizumab.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the compound of Formula (I) or salt or derivative thereof and bevacizumab are each administered together with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the compound of Formula (I) is PR- 104.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein PR- 104 is administered at a dosage in the range of from about 150 mg/kg to about 600 mg/kg.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein bevacizumab is administered at a dosage in the range of from about 125 μg/dose to about 200 μg/dose.

6. A method according to claim 3 wherein PR-104 is administered at a dosage of about 600 mg/kg and bevacizumab is administered at a dosage of about 200 μg/dose.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein PR-104 is administered according to the protocol i.p.; q7d x 3 (day 2) and bevacizumab is administered according to the protocol i.p.; q7d x3.

8. A method according to claim 6 wherein PR-104 is administered according to the protocol i.p.; q7d x 3 (day 3) and bevacizumab is administered according to the protocol i.p.; q7d x 3.

9. A method according to claim 6 wherein PR-104 is administered according to the protocol i.p.; q7d x 3 (day 4) and bevacizumab is administered according to the protocol i.p.; q7d x 3.

10. A method according to claim 6 wherein PR-104 is administered according to the protocol i.p.; q7d x 3 (day 6) and bevacizumab is administered according to the protocol i.p.; q7d x 3.

11. A method for the treatment of cancer in a warm-blooded animal such as a human, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, before, after or simultaneously widi an effective amount of bevacizumab.

12. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound of Formula (I) as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, and bevacizumab, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier.

13. A combination product comprising a compound of Formula (I) as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof and bevacizumab, for use in a method of treatment of a human or animal body by therapy.

14. A kit comprising a compound of Formula (I) as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, and bevacizumab.

15. A kit comprising: a) a compound of Formula (I) as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof in a first unit dosage form; b) bevacizumab in a second unit dosage form; and c) Container means for containing said first and second dosage forms.

16. The use of a compound of Formula (I) as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof and bevacizumab in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the production of an anti-cancer effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human.

17. The use according to claim 16, wherein the compound of Formula (I) is PR- 104.

18. The use of a compound of Formula (I) as defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof and bevacizumab in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of cancer in a warm-blooded animal such as a human.

19. The use according to claim 18, wherein the compound of Formula (I) is PR- 104.