Background
Tivozanib, a highly selective and potent vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has demonstrated single-agent efficacy in advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) along with minimal off-target toxicities and a favorable adverse event (AE) profile (Rini et al. Lancet Oncol 2020; 21:95-104). Tivozanib was approved by the FDA on March 10, 2021, for the treatment of patients with aRCC who had progressed on 2 or more prior lines of therapy. Tivozanib was combined with Nivolumab in the TiNivo trial (NCT03136627), showing an objective response rate of 56%, disease control rate of 96%, median PFS of 18.9 months and a favorable safety profile (Albiges et al. Ann Oncol. 2021 Jan;32(1):97-102).
Methods
TiNivo-2 (NCT04987203) is a phase 3, randomized, controlled, multicenter, open-label study to compare tivozanib in combination with nivolumab to tivozanib monotherapy in subjects with renal cell carcinoma who have progressed following 1-2 lines of therapy including an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Eligibility criteria include age >18 years, clear cell RCC, ECOG PS 0-1, and disease progression during or following at least 6 weeks of treatment with ICI for RCC. Subjects will be stratified by IMDC risk category and whether ICI was received in most recent line of treatment or not. On both arms, subjects will receive Tivozanib 1.34 mg orally once daily for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days off. In the combination arm, subjects will also receive Nivolumab 480mg intravenously every 4 weeks. Study assessments include CT scan or MRI of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis every 8 weeks following Cycle 1 Day 1 for 2 years and every 12 weeks thereafter until disease progression is confirmed by independent radiology review. The primary objective is to compare the progression-free survival (PFS) of tivozanib in combination with nivolumab to tivozanib. A sample size of 326 subjects, with 191 events will provide at least 80% power to detect a 50% improvement in PFS, 12 mos v. 8 mos, as assessed by an IRR. Secondary endpoints include assessment of overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and duration of response (DoR), as well as safety and tolerability. Exploratory endpoints are to assess the quality of life (FKSI-DRS and EORTC QLQ C-30) and to investigate the pharmacokinetics of tivozanib. TiNivo-2 is actively enrolling and planning to open at 190 sites in the United States, and the European Union. Clinical trial information: NCT04987203.