Phase I/II clinical trial of high-dose [131I] meta-iodobenzylguanidine therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma preceding single myeloablative chemotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Purpose Paediatric high-risk neuroblastoma has poor prognosis despite modern multimodality therapy. This phase I/II study aimed to determine the safety, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), and efficacy of high-dose I-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (I-131-mIBG) therapy combined with single high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in high-risk neuroblastoma in Japan. Methods Patients received 666 MBq/kg of I-131-mIBG and single HDC and HSCT from autologous or allogeneic stem cell sources. The primary endpoint was DLT defined as adverse events associated with I-131-mIBG treatment posing a significant obstacle to subsequent HDC. The secondary endpoints were adverse events/reactions, haematopoietic stem cell engraftment and responses according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) and I-123-mIBG scintigraphy. Response was evaluated after engraftment. Results We enrolled eight patients with high-risk neuroblastoma (six females; six newly diagnosed and two relapsed high-risk neuroblastoma; median age, 4 years; range, 1-10 years). Although all patients had adverse events/reactions after high-dose I-131-mIBG therapy, we found no DLT. Adverse events and reactions were observed in 100% and 25% patients during single HDC and 100% and 12.5% patients during HSCT, respectively. No Grade 4 complications except myelosuppression occurred during single HDC and HSCT. The response rate according to RECIST 1.1 was observed in 87.5% (7/8) in stable disease and 12.5% (1/8) were not evaluated. Scintigraphic response occurred in 62.5% (5/8) and 37.5% (3/8) patients in complete response and stable disease, respectively. Conclusion I-131-mIBG therapy with 666 MBq/kg followed by single HDC and autologous or allogeneic SCT is safe and efficacious in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma and has no DLT.

Automated summary

In patients with high-risk neuroblastoma, the treatment regimen of I-131-mIBG therapy, single high-dose chemotherapy, and autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation is safe and effective without dose-limiting toxicity. Evaluations based on RECIST 1.1 showed stability disease and complete response rates of 87.5% and 12.5%, respectively.