Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Alone or With Delayed Chemo Versus ART With Immediate Chemo for Limited AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma
- Conditions
- HIV-1 InfectionKaposi's Sarcoma
- Interventions
- Drug: efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarateDrug: etoposide
- Registration Number
- NCT01352117
- Lead Sponsor
- Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally for HIV/AIDS and Other Infections
- Brief Summary
AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (AIDS-KS) occurs in persons with HIV infection who are also infected with the Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV). Several chemotherapy (anti-cancer) drugs work well in treating KS, but there is no treatment that cures KSHV infection. One chemotherapy drug called etoposide (VePesid®, ET) has caused KS tumors to get smaller in some people.
Antiretroviral therapy (anti-HIV drugs or ART) is a group of medicines taken together to treat HIV infection. These medicines help to stop HIV from growing in the body. When this happens, the immune system, which fights infection and some cancers like KS, gets stronger. For some people, limited stage KS often improves or stays the same when they take ART. However, in some people KS continues to get worse when taking ART. These people may need chemotherapy at a later date.
This study was done to find out if taking ART with immediate etoposide (ET) is better than taking ART alone or ART with delayed ET to treat limited stage KS. The study also tried to better understand KSHV and to see what kind of side effects are caused by ART and ET and how safe ART and ET are.
- Detailed Description
The study consisted of three steps. At the study Step 1 entry, the participants were randomized (1:1) to receive ART alone (Arm A) or ART with immediate ET (Arm B). Study participants in Arm A who experienced KS progression that was confirmed by the Independent Endpoint Review Committee (IERC) could receive etoposide (ET) in addition to ART by entering Step 2 between study weeks 8 and 80. The target sample size was 468, 234 per arm. Randomization was stratified by:
1. Screening CD4 cell count (\<200 or ≥200 cells/mm\^3) and
2. ART history (naïve or experienced).
The duration of Step 1 or Step 1 and 2 combined was 96 weeks. After 96 weeks on study, participants who received ET (Arm B participants and Arm A participants who entered Step 2) entered Step 3 for a total of 144 weeks of safety follow-up.
Step 1 visits occurred at screening, entry and weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, 32, 40, 48, 60, 72, 84 and 96 from study entry. Step 2 visits were scheduled at entry and weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, 32, 40, 48, 60, 72, 84 from Step 2 entry until up to 96 weeks on study. The key evaluations included physical examination, clinical assessments, KS exam, CD4 cell count, HIV viral load, hematology, chemistry and pregnancy testing (for women of reproductive potential). Plasma, serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), KS tumor punch biopsy were be stored for use in future analyses. Participants also completed ET and ART adherence evaluations and quality of life questionnaires. Step 3 visits were scheduled every 24 weeks and were limited to safety evaluations including targeted physical exam, clinical assessments and hematology.
Study accrual terminated early, based on the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) recommendation in March 2016. The participants in Steps 1 and 2 at that time were arranged to enter either Step 3 for safety follow-up after ET or, if they did not receive ET, to be taken off study.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 192
Not provided
Not provided
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Arm A: ART alone or with delayed ET efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Participants were prescribed ART (co-formulated efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, EFV/FTC/TDF) for 96 weeks. Arm A participants who experienced KS progression on ART alone could receive ET in addition to EFV/FTC/TDF in Step 2 of the study. Arm B: ART with immediate ET efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Participants were prescribed ART (co-formulated efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, EFV/FTC/TDF) for 96 weeks with immediate ET for up to 16 weeks. Arm A: ART alone or with delayed ET etoposide Participants were prescribed ART (co-formulated efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, EFV/FTC/TDF) for 96 weeks. Arm A participants who experienced KS progression on ART alone could receive ET in addition to EFV/FTC/TDF in Step 2 of the study. Arm B: ART with immediate ET etoposide Participants were prescribed ART (co-formulated efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, EFV/FTC/TDF) for 96 weeks with immediate ET for up to 16 weeks.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) Status at Week 48 Compared to Study Entry Entry through Week 48. KS status is a composite, categorical outcome, ordered from worst to best as E1 (Failure: KS progression (PD), initiation of an alternate KS treatment, or no follow-up at Week 48 including death and missed visit), E2 (Stable: in follow-up at Week 48 with no KS PD nor response and without initiation of an alternate KS treatment) and E3 (Response: in follow-up at Week 48, with KS partial or complete response (PR or CR) and without initiation of an alternate KS treatment). Alternate KS treatment was defined as chemotherapy agent other than ET or other treatment triggered by worsening KS. KS outcome status (PR, stable, PR, CR) compared to study entry was evaluated at Week 48 based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002). Data on initiation of alternate KS treatment, loss to follow-up and dea
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method KS Complete Response at Week 48 Compared to Study Entry Entry and Week 48 KS complete response (CR) compared to study entry based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002).
KS Partial Response at Week 48 Compared to Study Entry Entry and Week 48 KS partial response (PR) compared to study entry based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002).
Change in log10 HIV-1 Plasma Viral Load From Entry Entry and Weeks 12, 24, 32, 48, 72, 96; Step 2 entry and Weeks 12, 24, 32, 48 and 72. Absolute change in log10 HIV-1 RNA from entry at study visits calculated as value at a given time point minus value at entry. This outcome was initially specified in the study protocol. However, at the first post-entry visit, most participants had unquantifiable HIV-1 RNA levels. It would be misleading to calculate change from entry to HIV RNA-1 levels that could not be quantified. Therefore, the data collected did not support the outcome and the analytic method initially proposed in the study protocol, and this outcome measure could not be analyzed. The SAP updated the HIV-1 RNA outcome measure to HIV-1 RNA suppression at study visits (please refer to the secondary outcome measure #20).
Change in Peripheral Blood CD4+ Lymphocyte Cell Count Screening and Weeks 12, 24, 32, 48, 72, 96; Step 2 entry and Weeks 12, 24, 32, 48 and 72. Absolute change in CD4+ cell count was calculated as value at a given visit minus the value at study screening in Step 1, and as value at a given visit minus Step 2 entry in Step 2. Only participants in Arm A could enter Step 2 to initiate delayed ET.
Cumulative Incidence of KS Progressive Disease After Initiation of Delayed Etoposide in Arm A From initiation of etoposide (Step 2 entry) to up to 84 weeks (end of Step 2) KS progressive disease (PD) compared to Step 2 entry (prior to initiation of delayed ET) or Step 2 best response based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002). Cumulative incidence was estimated with death and initiation of alternate KS treatment as competing risks. Time at risk was censored at the end of Step 2 (at up to 84 weeks or premature study discontinuation) or on the date when the DSMB's recommendation to close the study became public, whichever occurred earlier.
Cumulative Incidence of KS Response After Initiation of Delayed Etoposide in Arm A From initiation of etoposide (Step 2 entry) to up to 84 weeks (end of Step 2) KS response, partial or complete (PR or CR) compared to Step 2 entry (prior to initiation of delayed ET) based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002). Cumulative incidence was estimated with death and initiation of alternate KS treatment as competing risks. Time at risk was censored at the end of Step 2 (at up to 84 weeks or premature study discontinuation) or on the date when the DSMB's recommendation to close the study became public, whichever occurred earlier.
KS Progressive Disease at Week 48 Compared to Study Entry Entry and Week 48 KS progressive disease (PD) compared to study entry based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002).
KS Partial or Complete Response at Week 48 Compared to Study Entry Entry and Week 48 KS partial response (PR) or complete response (CR) compared to study entry based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002).
Premature Study Discontinuation by Week 48 Entry through Week 48 Premature study discontinuation by Week 48 due to any reason, including death.
KS Complete Response at Week 96 Compared to Study Entry Entry and Week 96 KS complete response (CR) compared to study entry based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002).
Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) Status at Week 96 Compared to Study Entry Entry through Week 96. KS status is a composite, categorical outcome, ordered from worst to best as E1 (Failure: KS PD, initiation of an alternate KS treatment, or no follow-up at Week 96 including death and missed visit), E2 (Stable: in follow-up at Week 96 with no KS progression nor response and without initiation of an alternate KS treatment) and E3 (Response: in follow-up at Week 96, with KS PR or CR and without initiation of an alternate KS treatment). Alternate KS treatment was defined as chemotherapy agent other than ET or other treatment triggered by worsening KS. KS outcome status (PD, stable, PR or CR) compared to study entry was evaluated at Week 96 based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002). Data on initiation of alternate KS treatment, loss to follow-up and deaths are from entry through Week 96.
KS Progressive Disease at Week 96 Compared to Study Entry Entry and Week 96 KS progressive disease (PD) compared to study entry based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002).
KS Partial Response at Week 96 Compared to Study Entry Entry and Week 96 KS partial response (PR) compared to study entry based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002).
KS Partial or Complete Response at Week 96 Compared to Study Entry Entry and Week 96 KS partial response (PR) or complete response (CR) compared to study entry based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002).
Premature Study Discontinuation by Week 96 Entry through Week 96 Premature study discontinuation by Week 96 due to any reason, including death.
Cumulative Incidence of Initial KS Progressive Disease by Week 96 From entry through 96 weeks KS progressive disease (PD) compared to study entry or best response based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002). Cumulative incidence was estimated with death and initiation of alternate KS treatment as competing risks. Time at risk was censored at the end of Step 1 (Week 96 or premature study discontinuation) or on the date when the DSMB's recommendation to close the study became public, whichever occurred earlier.
Cumulative Incidence of Initial KS Partial or Complete Response by Week 96 From entry through 96 weeks KS partial response (PR) or complete response (CR) compared to study entry based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002). Cumulative incidence was estimated with death and initiation of delayed KS treatment (alternate KS treatment or delayed ET in Arm A) as competing risks. Time at risk was censored at the end of Step 1 (Week 96 or premature study discontinuation) or on the date when the DSMB's recommendation to close the study became public, whichever occurred earlier.
Cumulative Incidence of Initial KS Partial Response by Week 96 From study treatment initiation to 96 weeks KS partial response (PR) compared to study entry based on clinical assessment of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002). This was initially part of the outcome specified in the study protocol as "PR and CR combined and separately" to address the secondary objective on the KS response. Due to the extremely limited number of participants with KS complete response, the Statistical Analysis Plan was updated, and the Final Analysis was conducted only on the combined KS response. The outcome on PR separately was withdrawn.
Number of Participants With Grade 3 or Higher Adverse Events From study treatment dispensation through up to Week 96, until long-term follow-up began in Step 3 or until study discontinuation. Number of participants who experienced an AE (sign/symptom or laboratory abnormality) of Grade 3 or higher. The AEs were graded by the clinicians according to the Division of AIDS (DAIDS) AE Grading Table (see reference in the Protocol Section) as follows: Grade 1=Mild, Grade 2=Moderate, Grade 3=Severe, Grade 4=Potentially Life-Threatening.
Cumulative Incidence of Initial KS Complete Response by Week 96 From study treatment initiation to 96 weeks KS complete response (CR) compared to study entry based on clinical evaluation of KS cutaneous lesions (count, character and marker lesion area), oral KS, visceral KS and tumor-associated edema and as described in the publications (Krown et al 1989, Cianfrocca et al 2002). This was initially part of the outcome specified in the study protocol as "PR and CR combined and separately" to address the secondary objective on the KS response. Due to the extremely limited number of participants with KS CR, the Statistical Analysis Plan was updated, and the Final Analysis was conducted only on the combined KS response. The outcome on CR separately was withdrawn.
Cumulative Incidence of KS-IRIS From study entry to Week 12 KS-IRIS was defined as KS progressive disease that occurs within 12 weeks of initiation of ART that is associated with an increase in peripheral blood CD4+ lymphocyte cell count of at least 50 cells/mm\^3 above the study screening value and/or a decrease in the HIV RNA level by at least 0.5 log10 below the study entry value prior to, or at the time of, documented KS progressive disease. Cumulative incidence was estimated with death and initiation of alternate KS treatment as competing risks. Time at risk was censored (1) when lost to follow-up, (2) at the study visit following Week 12 or (3) on the date when the DSMB's recommendation to close the study became public, whichever occurred earlier. Time of KS-IRIS was defined as the time of the initial KS progressive disease.
Percentage of Participants With Etoposide Dose Modification From ET dispensation to ET discontinuation (total duration of ET was up to 16 weeks) Etoposide (ET) was administered for a maximum of 8 cycles (16 weeks) from study entry (Arm B) or from Step 2 entry (Arm A). Dose modifications were reported as temporarily held, resumed at a different dose, deferred, prematurely discontinued and underdosed. The percentage of participants who experienced each dose modification is provided in the data table below. The categories are not mutually exclusive. A participant may have experienced multiple dose modifications and may be counted in more than one category. Each participant is counted at most once within category.
Percentage of Participants With HIV-1 RNA Suppression Entry and Weeks 12, 24, 32, 48, 72, 96; Step 2 entry and Weeks 12, 24, 32, 48 and 72. HIV-1 RNA suppression was defined as plasma HIV-1 RNA \<400 copies/mL. Only Arm A participants could enter Step 2 to initiate delayed ET.
Percentage of Participants With ARV Dose Modification From treatment dispensation to Week 96 ARV dose modifications were reported as temporarily held, prematurely discontinued and increased. The percentage of participants who experienced each dose modification is provided in the data table below. The categories are not mutually exclusive. A participant may have experienced multiple dose modifications and may be counted in more than one category. Each participant is counted at most once within category.
Trial Locations
- Locations (8)
Walter Reed Project - Kenya Med. Research Institute Kericho CRS (12501)
🇰🇪Kericho, Kenya
JCRC CRS
🇺🇬Kampala, Uganda
University of North Carolina Lilongwe CRS (12001)
🇲🇼Lilongwe, Malawi
College of Med. JHU CRS (30301)
🇲🇼Blantyre, Malawi
Instituto de Pesquisa Clinica Evandro Chagas (12101)
🇧🇷Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
San Miguel CRS
🇵🇪San Miguel, Lima, Peru
Durban Adult HIV CRS (11201)
🇿🇦Durban, South Africa
Wits HIV CRS
🇿🇦Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa