Efficacy and Safety of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Plus Lenvatinib (E7080/MK-7902) Plus Chemotherapy in Participants With Advanced/Metastatic Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Negative Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction (GEJ) Adenocarcinoma (MK-7902-015/E7080-G000-321/LEAP-015) (LEAP-015)

• ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04662710
• Recruitment Status: Recruiting
• First Posted: December 10, 2020
• Last Update Posted: February 2, 2021
• Sponsor: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
• Collaborator: Eisai Inc.
• Information provided by (Responsible Party): Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

Study Description

Brief Summary:

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab (MK-3475) plus lenvatinib (E7080/MK-7902) plus chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone in participants with advanced/metastatic HER2 negative gastric/ gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer.

The primary study hypotheses are that pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib plus chemotherapy is superior to chemotherapy alone for both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR), in participants with programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1 and in all participants.

Condition or disease	Intervention/treatment	Phase
Advanced/Metastatic HER2 Negative Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma	Biological: Pembrolizumab; Biological: Lenvatinib; Drug: Oxaliplatin; Drug: Capecitabine; Drug: Leucovorin; Drug: 5-FU	Phase 3

Detailed Description:

There will be 2 parts to the study: a Safety Run-in (Part 1) and the Main Study (Part 2). In Part 1 (Safety Run-in), approximately 12 participants will be treated with lenvatinib in combination with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy with either capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX), or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), Leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6). Participants will be closely followed for dose-limiting toxicities for 21 days after the first dose of study intervention.

In Part 2, up to 778 eligible participants (not including those participating in Part 1) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib plus chemotherapy (CAPOX or mFOLFOX6) or Chemotherapy alone (CAPOX or mFOLFOX6).

Participants can receive up to 18 infusions (up to 2 years) of pembrolizumab in the first course. Participants may be eligible to receive a second course of pembrolizumab (approximately 1 year) at the investigator's discretion.

Study Design

• Study Type: Interventional (Clinical Trial)
• Estimated Enrollment: 790 participants
• Allocation: Randomized
• Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)
• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Official Title: A Phase 3, Randomized Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Plus Lenvatinib (E7080/MK-7902) Plus Chemotherapy Compared With Standard of Care Therapy as First-line Intervention in Participants With Advanced/Metastatic HER2 Negative Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma (LEAP-015)
• Actual Study Start Date: December 30, 2020
• Estimated Primary Completion Date: December 31, 2024
• Estimated Study Completion Date: December 31, 2024

Arms and Interventions

Arm	Intervention/treatment
Experimental: Pembrolizumab + Lenvatinib + Chemotherapy; Participants receive 400 mg pembrolizumab intravenously (IV) every 6 weeks (Q6W) in combination with lenvatinib administered orally (PO) every day (QD) plus chemotherapy with either capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) or chemotherapy with 5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6). Induction of pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib (8 mg) plus chemotherapy (CAPOX or mFOLFOX6) will be administered for 2 cycles (approximately 12 weeks) followed by consolidation of pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib (14 mg) only for 16 cycles. A cycle is 6 weeks (42 days).	Biological: Pembrolizumab; 400 mg Q6W by IV infusion; Other Names: MK-3475; Keytruda®; Biological: Lenvatinib; Administered PO QD, 8 mg induction/14 mg consolidation.; Other Names: MK-7902; E7080; Drug: Oxaliplatin; 130 mg/m^2 administered by IV infusion on Day 1 of Weeks 1 and 4 of each Q6W cycle as part of CAPOX chemotherapy, or 85 mg/m^2 administered by IV infusion on Day 1 and Week 1, 3 and 5 of each Q6W cycle as part of mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy.; Drug: Capecitabine; 1000 mg/m^2 administered PO twice daily (BID) on Days 1-14, 22-35 of each Q6W cycle as part of CAPOX chemotherapy.; Drug: Leucovorin; Administered by IV infusion at 400 mg/m^2 on Day 1, and Week 1, 3 and 5 of each Q6W cycle as part of mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy.; Drug: 5-FU; 400 mg/m^2 bolus IV infusion followed by 2400 mg/m^2 continuous IV infusion administered on Day 1, and Week 1, 3, 5, of each Q2W cycle as part of mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy.
Experimental: Chemotherapy; Participants receive chemotherapy with either CAPOX or mFOLFOX6 Q6W for up to 18 cycles. A cycle is 6 weeks (42 days).	Drug: Oxaliplatin; 130 mg/m^2 administered by IV infusion on Day 1 of Weeks 1 and 4 of each Q6W cycle as part of CAPOX chemotherapy, or 85 mg/m^2 administered by IV infusion on Day 1 and Week 1, 3 and 5 of each Q6W cycle as part of mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy.; Drug: Capecitabine; 1000 mg/m^2 administered PO twice daily (BID) on Days 1-14, 22-35 of each Q6W cycle as part of CAPOX chemotherapy.; Drug: Leucovorin; Administered by IV infusion at 400 mg/m^2 on Day 1, and Week 1, 3 and 5 of each Q6W cycle as part of mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy.; Drug: 5-FU; 400 mg/m^2 bolus IV infusion followed by 2400 mg/m^2 continuous IV infusion administered on Day 1, and Week 1, 3, 5, of each Q2W cycle as part of mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy.

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures :

1. Part 1: Number of Participants with Dose Limiting Toxicities (DLTs) [ Time Frame: Up to ~21 days ]
   Hematologic DLTs were defined as Grade 4 neutropenia lasting for ≥7 days, Grade 3 or Grade 4 febrile neutropenia, Grade 3 thrombocytopenia with bleeding, Grade 4 thrombocytopenia, or Grade 4 anemia. Other nonhematologic toxicities considered a DLT included any other Grade 4 or Grade 5 toxicity, Grade 3 toxicities lasting >3 days (excluding nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea controlled by medical intervention within 72 hours, and Grade 3 rash in the absence of desquamation with no mucosal involvement), Grade 3 hypertension not able to be controlled by medication, ≥Grade 3 gastrointestinal perforation, ≥Grade 3 wound dehiscence requiring medical or surgical intervention, or any grade thromboembolic event. The number of participants in Part 1 with DLTs will be reported by treatment arm.
2. Part 1: Number of Participants with Adverse Events (AEs) [ Time Frame: Up to ~25 months ]
   An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a participant, temporally associated with the use of study treatment, whether or not considered related to the study treatment. The number of participants in Part 1 with AEs will be reported by treatment arm.
3. Part 1: Number of Participants who Discontinued Study Treatment Due to an AE [ Time Frame: Up to ~22 months ]
   An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a participant, temporally associated with the use of study treatment, whether or not considered related to the study treatment. The number of participants in Part 1 that discontinued study due to an AE will be reported by treatment arm.
4. Part 2: Overall Survival (OS) in Participants with Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to ~38 months ]
   OS is defined as the time from randomization to death due to any cause. OS will be reported by treatment arm for PD-L1 CPS ≥1 participants in Part 2.
5. Part 2: OS in All Participants [ Time Frame: Up to ~38 months ]
   OS is defined as the time from randomization to death due to any cause. OS will be reported by treatment arm for all participants in Part 2.
6. Part 2: Progression-Free Survival (PFS) Per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) as Assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) in Participants with PD-L1 CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to ~28 months ]
   PFS is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented progressive disease (PD) per RECIST 1.1 by BICR or death from any cause, whichever occurs first. Per RECIST 1.1 modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, PD is defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of at least 5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD. PFS will be reported by treatment arm for PD-L1 CPS ≥1 participants in Part 2.
7. Part 2: PFS Per RECIST 1.1 as Assessed by BICR in All Participants [ Time Frame: Up to ~28 months ]
   PFS is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented PD per RECIST 1.1 by BICR or death from any cause, whichever occurs first. Per RECIST 1.1 modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, PD is defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of at least 5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD. PFS will be reported by treatment arm for all participants in Part 2.

Secondary Outcome Measures :

1. Part 2: Objective Response Rate (ORR) Per RECIST 1.1 as Assessed by BICR in Participants with PD-L1 CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to ~22 months ]
   ORR is defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who have a Complete Response (CR: disappearance of all target lesions) or a Partial Response (PR: at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1 modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, and assessed by BICR. ORR will be reported by treatment arm for PD-L1 CPS ≥1 participants in Part 2.
2. Part 2: ORR Per RECIST 1.1 as Assessed by BICR in All Participants [ Time Frame: Up to ~22 months ]
   ORR is defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who have a CR (disappearance of all target lesions) or a PR (at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1 modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, and assessed by BICR. ORR will be reported by treatment arm for all participants in Part 2.
3. Part 2: Duration of Response (DOR) Per RECIST 1.1 as Assessed by BICR in Participants with PD-L1 CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to ~22 months ]
   For participants who demonstrated confirmed CR or PR, DOR is defined as the time from the first CR (disappearance of all target lesions) or PR (at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) to subsequent PD or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Per RECIST 1.1 modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, PD is defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of at least 5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD. DOR will be reported by treatment arm for PD-L1 CPS ≥1 participants in Part 2.
4. Part 2: DOR Per RECIST 1.1 as Assessed by BICR in All Participants [ Time Frame: Up to ~22 months ]
   For participants who demonstrated confirmed CR or PR, DOR is defined as the time from the first CR (disappearance of all target lesions) or PR (at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) to subsequent PD or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Per RECIST 1.1 modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, PD is defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of at least 5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD. DOR will be reported by treatment arm for all participants in Part 2.
5. Part 2: Number of Participants with AEs [ Time Frame: Up to ~25 months ]
   An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a participant, temporally associated with the use of study treatment, whether or not considered related to the study treatment. The number of participants in Part 2 with AEs will be reported by treatment arm.
6. Part 2: Number of Participants who Discontinued Study Treatment Due to an AE [ Time Frame: Up to ~22 months ]
   An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a participant, temporally associated with the use of study treatment, whether or not considered related to the study treatment. The number of participants in Part 2 that discontinued study due to an AE will be reported by treatment arm.

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Sexes Eligible for Study: All
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Has histologically and/or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of previously untreated, locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2 negative gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma based on Siewert classification
• Is not expected to require tumor resection during the treatment course
• Is HER2-negative
• Has measurable disease as defined by RECIST 1.1 by scan with IV contrast as determined by the local site investigator/radiology assessment
• Male participants agree to refrain from donating sperm and agree to either remain abstinent from heterosexual intercourse as their preferred and usual lifestyle OR agree to use contraception, during the intervention period and for ≥7 days after last dose of lenvatinib or 90 days after last dose of chemotherapy-whichever comes last
• Female participants not pregnant or breastfeeding are eligible to participate if not a women of childbearing potential (WOCBP), or if a WOCBP they either use a contraceptive method that is highly effective OR remain abstinent from heterosexual intercourse as their preferred and usual lifestyle, and do not donate eggs (ova, oocytes) to others or freeze/store for their own use, during the intervention period through 120 days after last dose of pembrolizumab, 30 days after last dose of lenvatinib, or 180 days after last dose of chemotherapy-whichever occurs last
• Has a performance status of 0 or 1 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Scale within 3 days prior to the first dose of study treatment
• Has adequately controlled blood pressure with or without antihypertensive medications
• Has adequate organ function

Exclusion Criteria:

• Has had previous therapy for locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric/GEJ cancer
• Has had major surgery within 28 days prior to first dose of study interventions
• Has had radiotherapy within 14 days of randomization
• Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or has required active treatment within the past 5 years
• Has known CNS metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis
• Has severe hypersensitivity (≥Grade 3) to treatment with an monoclonal antibody (mAb) or known sensitivity or intolerance to any component of lenvatinib, pembrolizumab, study chemotherapy agents and/or to any excipients, murine proteins, or platinum containing products
• Has had an allogeneic tissue/solid organ transplant
• Has perforation risks or significant gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
• Has GI obstruction, poor oral intake (CAPOX participants), or difficulty in taking oral medication (CAPOX participants)
• Has received prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-PD-L2 agent or with an agent directed to another stimulatory or coinhibitory T-cell receptor
• Has received prior therapy with anti- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) tyrosine kinase inhibitor or anti-VEGF mAb
• Has received a live or live-attenuated vaccine within 30 days before the first dose of study drug
• Has an active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in past 2 years (i.e., with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs)
• Has radiographic evidence of encasement or invasion of a major blood vessel, or of intratumoral cavitation
• Has inadequate cardiac function
• Has a history of (noninfectious) pneumonitis that required steroids or current pneumonitis
• Has poorly controlled diarrhea
• Has accumulation of pleural, ascitic, or pericardial fluid requiring drainage or diuretic drugs within 2 weeks prior to enrollment.
• Has peripheral neuropathy ≥Grade 2
• Has a known history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or HIV 1/2 antibodies
• Has a known history of hepatitis B (defined as HBsAg reactive) or known active hepatitis C virus (defined as HCV RNA [qualitative] is detected) infection
• Has weight loss of >20% within the last 3 months

Contacts and Locations

Contacts

Contact: Toll Free Number; 1-888-577-8839; Trialsites@merck.com

Locations

Israel

Rambam Medical Center ( Site 1502); Recruiting

Haifa, Israel, 3109601

Contact: Study Coordinator +97247771258

Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center ( Site 1501); Recruiting

Jerusalem, Israel, 9112001

Contact: Study Coordinator +97226777957

Taiwan

China Medical University Hospital ( Site 2903); Recruiting

Taichung, Taiwan, 40447

Contact: Study Coordinator 886422052121

Sponsors and Collaborators

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

Eisai Inc.

More Information

• Responsible Party: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
• ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04662710
• Other Study ID Numbers: 7902-015; 2020-001990-53 ( EudraCT Number ); MK-7902-015 ( Other Identifier: Merck ); E7080-G000-321 ( Other Identifier: Eisai ); jRCT2051200127 ( Registry Identifier: jRCT )
• First Posted: December 10, 2020
• Last Update Posted: February 2, 2021
• Last Verified: January 2021

Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement:

• Plan to Share IPD: Yes
• Plan Description: http://engagezone.msd.com/doc/ProcedureAccessClinicalTrialData.pdf
• URL: http://engagezone.msd.com/ds_documentation.php

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product: Yes
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product: No

Keywords provided by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.:

Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD1, PD-1); Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PDL1, PD-L1)

Additional relevant MeSH terms:

Adenocarcinoma; Esophageal Neoplasms; Carcinoma; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial; Neoplasms by Histologic Type; Neoplasms; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Digestive System Neoplasms; Neoplasms by Site; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Digestive System Diseases; Esophageal Diseases; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Leucovorin; Capecitabine; Oxaliplatin; Pembrolizumab; Lenvatinib; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; Antimetabolites; Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Antidotes; Protective Agents; Physiological Effects of Drugs; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamins; Micronutrients; Nutrients