PF-03446962 in Relapsed or Refractory Urothelial Cancer

Salvage chemotherapy for advanced urothelial cancer (UC) yields suboptimal response rates of 15-40%, a median progression-free survival of 2-4 months and a median overall survival of 6 months. A rationale for targeting angiogenesis in UC is supported by preclinical evidences and early signals of clinical activity of anti-VEGF TKI as demonstrated by our group with the use of pazopanib. Despite this activity, progression inevitably occurs and mechanisms determining resistance to conventional anti-angiogenic agents are under investigation. PF-03446962 (Pfizer Inc) is a novel fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) against ALK1 with dose-dependent antiangiogenic activity as demonstrated in nonclinical studies in a chimera mouse model bearing human tumor xenograft. The investigators suggest that PF-03446962 may increase current results for patients with advanced urothelial cancer failing upfront chemotherapy due to its mechanisms of action. Due to the lack of reliable and reproducible predictors of response as well as of imaging tools to assess tumor response, the trial will provide incorporation of 18FDG-PET/CT and contrast-enhanced ultrasound to stage and evaluate response of urothelial cancers, together with standard imaging modalities (RECIST criteria). Blood and tissue samples will be collected for translational purposes.