Phase II study of pazopanib in combination with paclitaxel in patients with metastatic melanoma

This phase II study evaluated the safety and clinical activity of pazopanib, a potent and mutlitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs)-1, -2 and -3, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-alpha and beta, and cKit, in combination with metronomic paclitaxel in patients with metastatic melanoma. Sixty chemotherapy-naive patients received pazopanib at a starting dose of 800 mg daily in combination with metronomic dosing of paclitaxel 80 mg/m(2) weekly thrice every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate, while secondary endpoints included 1-year overall survival rate, RECIST response rates, progression-free survival rates and median overall survival. Prior BRAF-targeted therapy or checkpoint inhibitors were permitted. The 6-month PFS rate was 68%, with a 1-year OS rate of 48%. Objective response rate was 37% comprising one complete and 20 partial responses. Stable disease at 8 weeks was noted in 32 patients (55%) with an overall clinical benefit rate of 93%. Six-month median progression-free survival was 8 months and median OS was 12.7 months. The most frequently (> 15%) reported non-hematologic, treatment-related adverse events were fatigue, diarrhea, hypertension, transaminitis and peripheral neuropathy. Treatment-related non-fatal bowel perforation, a known class effect, occurred in one patient. No significant association was noted between plasma levels of pazopanib and response. The combination of pazopanib and metronomic paclitaxel was well-tolerated, demonstrating significant activity in metastatic melanoma. Further evaluation of this combination is warranted.