A Phase 2 Study of Pembrolizumab Combined with Chemoradiotherapy as Initial Treatment for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.

PURPOSE Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has poor prognosis with median overall survival ~6 months. We previously reported high PD-1/PDL-1 staining in ATC, raising the possibility of the productive application of the immunotherapeutic pembrolizumab. However, having found pembrolizumab to anecdotally have limited single-agent activity in ATC, we sought to alternatively define whether pembrolizumab might synergistically combine with chemoradiotherapy as initial ATC therapy. PATIENT AND METHODS An investigator-initiated therapeutic phase 2 trial of pembrolizumab, 200 mg IV every 3 weeks, combined with chemoradiotherapy [docetaxel/doxorubicin, 20 mg/m2 each IV weekly plus volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)] was initiated as front-line therapy (with or without surgery) in ATC to assess efficacy and toxicities. Six-month overall survival (OS) was selected as the primary endpoint using a Simon's optimal design with interim analysis (targeting accrual of 25 patients; Cohort A: prior resection, Cohort B: no resection). Based upon a prior patient cohort treated similarly, but without pembrolizumab, the design was such that, if 6 month true survival is 75%, the probability of declaring the approach worthy of further pursuit would be 91%. RESULTS Three patients were enrolled, two with rapidly enlarging unresectable neck masses. Early tumor responses were favorable in all three, and all three satisfactorily completed: intended radiotherapy, preceding and radiotherapy-concurrent pembrolizumab, and concurrent chemoradiotherapy. However, all three patients died <6 months following therapy initiation - one from pulmonary metastases, and two from otherwise unexpected fatal pulmonary complications occurring subsequent to chemoradiotherapy completion - prompting study closure. CONCLUSION Although initially tolerated and effective in terms of locoregional disease control, disappointing survival outcomes compared to historical controls raise uncertainty that the piloted approach merits further pursuit in ATC.