Combination Therapies for Treating Cancer

Abstract

The present disclosure includes methods, pharmaceutical compositions and kits for treating prostate cancer in which AZD5305 and abiraterone acetate are administered in combination to a subject in need thereof.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods of treating metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) and castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a patient in need of such treatment. [Background technology]

[0002] Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. It is estimated that 375,304 people died worldwide in 2020, and prostate cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men, accounting for 6.8% of the total number of cancer deaths in men (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Treatment of prostate cancer with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), such as luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs or orchiectomy, is usually effective in initially controlling metastatic disease. However, patients inevitably progress from androgen to castration-resistant phenotype, which is associated with 90% of all mortality (Non-Patent Document 2).

[0004] Several recently approved new hormonal agents (NHAs) have significantly changed the treatment landscape for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and NHAs are now considered the standard of care in both mCRPC and metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) (Non-Patent Document 3, Non-Patent Document 4).

[0005] Both abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide in combination with ADT have demonstrated robust improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) and have been shown to significantly extend the time to initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with CRPC (Non-Patent Document 5, Non-Patent Document 6).

[0006] Furthermore, recent data have demonstrated the benefits of NHA in patients with mHSPC. Abiraterone acetate + prednisone with ADT further extended OS and delayed the initiation of chemotherapy and subsequent treatment, demonstrating significant survival benefits compared with ADT alone (Non-Patent Document 7). Enzalutamide + ADT not only significantly reduced the risk of radiological progression or death compared with placebo + ADT, but also reduced the risk of PSA progression, initiation of new antitumor therapy, first symptomatic skeletal-related events, castration resistance, and pain progression (Non-Patent Document 8).

[0007] A phase III trial is ongoing evaluating darolutamide in combination with standard ADT in patients with mHSPC (ARANOTE, NCT04736199).

[0008] The addition of olaparib (a PARP1 / PARP2 inhibitor) to abiraterone acetate plus ADT demonstrated improved radiological progression-free survival (rPFS) compared with abiraterone acetate alone for both men with mCRPC who had previously received docetaxel (Non-Patent Document 9) and men who had not received any prior systemic treatment lines, regardless of homologous recombination repair gene mutation (HRRm) status (Non-Patent Document 10).

[0009] Because enzalutamide is a strong CYP3A4 inducer (Non-Patent Document 11) and olaparib is a CYP3A4 substrate (Non-Patent Document 12), it is not expected that olaparib (a PARP1 / PARP2 inhibitor) can be used safely in combination with enzalutamide, and therefore coadministration of enzalutamide and olaparib in multiple dose settings would significantly reduce patient exposure to olaparib. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0010] [Non-Patent Document 1] Sung 2021 [Non-Patent Document 2] Scher 2015 [Non-Patent Document 3] Mohler 2019 [Non-Patent Document 4] Parker 2020 [Non-Patent Document 5] Beer 2014 [Non-Patent Document 6] Ryan 2013 [Non-Patent Document 7] Fizazi 2019 [Non-Patent Document 8] Armstrong 2019 [Non-Patent Document 9] Clarke 2018 [Non-Patent Document 10] AstraZeneca Press Release 24 September 2021 [Non-Patent Document 11] Gibbons 2015 [Non-Patent Document 12] Dirix 2016 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Although many advances have been made in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, including metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), many patients with such cancers live with incurable disease. Thus, it is important to continue to find new treatments for patients with incurable cancers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In some embodiments, a method of treating metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject in need thereof is disclosed, comprising administering to the subject a first amount of AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof and a second amount of abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone, wherein the first amount and the second amount together constitute a therapeutically effective amount.

[0013] In some embodiments, AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof is disclosed for use in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject, said treatment comprising separate, sequential or simultaneous administration to said subject of i) said AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof, and ii) abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone.

[0014] In some embodiments, abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone for use in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject is disclosed, said treatment comprising separate, sequential or simultaneous administration to said subject of i) said abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone, and ii) AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments, disclosed is the use of AZD5305, or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), said treatment comprising separate, sequential or simultaneous administration to said subject of i) said medicament comprising AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof, and ii) abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone.

[0016] In the above embodiments, the metastatic prostate cancer can be metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

[0017] In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical product is disclosed that comprises i) AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof, and ii) abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone.

[0018] In some embodiments, a kit is disclosed that includes a first pharmaceutical composition comprising AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof; a second pharmaceutical composition comprising abiraterone acetate and, optionally, prednisone or prednisolone; and instructions for using the first and second pharmaceutical compositions in combination.

[0019] The combination of AZD5305 with abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone may have fewer side effects or be more effective than current monotherapy or combination therapy. This may be due to AZD5305 being a selective PARP1 inhibitor. By "selective PARP1 inhibitor" is meant an inhibitor of the PARP enzyme that has greater selectivity for PARP1 than other members of the PARP family, such as PARP2, PARP3, PARP5a and PARP6. In some embodiments, the selective PARP1 inhibitor has selectivity for PARP1 over PARP2. In some embodiments, the selective PARP1 inhibitor has selectivity for PARP1 over PARP2 that is greater than 5:1. In some embodiments, the selective PARP1 inhibitor has selectivity for PARP1 over PARP2 that is greater than 10:1. In some embodiments, the selective PARP1 inhibitor has selectivity for PARP1 over PARP2 that is greater than 100:1.

[0020] In some embodiments, a method of treating metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed, comprising administering to the subject a first amount of a selective PARP1 inhibitor (e.g., AZD5305) or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof and a second amount of abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone, wherein the first amount and the second amount together constitute a therapeutically effective amount.

[0021] In some embodiments, a selective PARP1 inhibitor (e.g., AZD5305) or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof is disclosed for use in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject, said treatment comprising separate, sequential or simultaneous administration to said subject of i) said selective PARP1 inhibitor (e.g., AZD5305) or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof, and ii) abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone.

[0022] In some embodiments, abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone for use in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject is disclosed, wherein said treatment comprises separate, sequential or simultaneous administration to said subject of i) said abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone, and ii) a selective PARP1 inhibitor (e.g., AZD5305) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] Representative 6x6 synergy matrix heatmaps for AZD5305 and abiraterone treatment in LnCAP and C4-2 cells are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The term "AZD5305" refers to a compound having the chemical name 5-{4-[(7-ethyl-6-oxo-5,6-dihydro-1,5-naphthyridin-3-yl)methyl]piperazin-1-yl}-N-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide and the structure shown below. [ka]

[0025] AZD5305 is a potent and selective PARP1 inhibitor and PARP1-DNA trapper with excellent in vivo efficacy. AZD5305 is highly selective for PARP1 over other PARP family members, has favorable secondary pharmacological and physicochemical properties and excellent pharmacokinetics in preclinical species, and has reduced effects on human bone marrow progenitor cells in vitro.

[0026] The synthesis of AZD5305 is described in Johannes 2021 and WO 2021 / 013735, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In some embodiments, the free base of AZD5305 is administered to the subject. In some embodiments, a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt of AZD5305 is administered to the subject. In some embodiments, crystalline AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt of AZD5305 is administered to the subject.

[0027] The term "abiraterone acetate" refers to a compound having the chemical name [(3S,8R,9S,10R,13S,14S)-10,13-dimethyl-17-pyridin-3-yl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-yl]acetate and the structure shown below. [ka]

[0028] Abiraterone acetate is converted in vivo to abiraterone, an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor. Specifically, abiraterone selectively inhibits the enzyme CYP17. This enzyme is expressed in testis, adrenal gland and prostate tumor tissues and is required for androgen biosynthesis. CYP17 catalyzes the conversion of pregnenolone and progesterone to dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione, respectively, the testosterone precursors, by 17α-hydroxylation and cleavage of the C17-C20 bond. CYP17 inhibition also results in increased mineralocorticoid production by the adrenal gland. Abiraterone acetate, together with prednisone or prednisolone, is indicated for the treatment of mCRPC in adult men who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic after ADT failure where chemotherapy is still not clinically indicated, and for the treatment of patients with metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer.

[0029] The synthesis of abiraterone acetate is described in Potter 1995, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0030] The term "prednisone" refers to a compound having the chemical name 17,21-dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,11,20-trione and the structure shown below. [ka]

[0031] The term "prednisolone" refers to the compound having the chemical name 11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13-dimethyl-6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one and the structure shown below. [ka]

[0032] The phrase "pharmaceutical composition" includes compositions comprising an active ingredient and a pharma- ceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent, where the active ingredient is AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof or abiraterone acetate and, optionally, prednisone or prednisolone. The phrase "pharma- ceutically acceptable excipient, carrier or diluent" includes compounds, materials, compositions and / or dosage forms that, as ascertained by one of ordinary skill in the art, are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response or other problems or complications. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is a solid dosage form, such as a capsule, tablet, granule, powder or sachet. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition may be in the form of a sterile injectable solution in one or more aqueous or non-aqueous, non-toxic parenterally acceptable buffer systems, diluents, solubilizers, co-solvents or carriers. The sterile injectable preparation may be a sterile injectable aqueous or oily suspension or a suspension in a non-aqueous diluent, carrier or co-solvent, which may be formulated according to known procedures using one or more suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The pharmaceutical composition may be a lyophilized system (alone or with excipients) for reconstitution with a solution for iv bolus / infusion injection or a buffer system with or without other excipients. The lyophilized freeze-dried material may be prepared from a non-aqueous or aqueous solvent. The dosage form may also be a concentrate for further dilution for subsequent infusion.

[0033] The terms "treat", "treating" and "treatment" include PARP-1, AR or metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject, amelioration of one or more symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject, or slowing or delaying the progression of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject. The terms "treat", "treating" and "treatment" also include reducing or inhibiting the growth of tumors or proliferation of cancer cells in a subject.

[0034] The terms "inhibit," "inhibition," or "inhibiting" include a reduction in the baseline activity of a biological activity or process.

[0035] The term "subject" includes warm-blooded mammals, such as primates, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, and mice. In some embodiments, the subject is a primate, such as a human. In some embodiments, the subject is afflicted with metastatic prostate cancer, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC), or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

[0036] The phrase "therapeutically effective amount" includes an amount of AZD5305 and an amount of abiraterone acetate that together induce a biological or medical response in a subject, such as reducing or inhibiting PARP1, AR, or cancer-related enzyme or protein activity; improving symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC); or slowing or delaying the progression of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In some embodiments, the phrase "therapeutically effective amount" includes an amount of AZD5305 and abiraterone acetate combined that is effective to at least partially ameliorate, inhibit and / or ameliorate metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), or inhibit PARP1 or AR, and / or reduce or inhibit tumor growth or cancerous cell proliferation in a subject.

[0037] In some embodiments, a method of treating metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject in need thereof is disclosed, comprising administering to the subject a first amount of AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof and a second amount of abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone, wherein the first amount and the second amount together constitute a therapeutically effective amount.

[0038] In some embodiments, AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof is disclosed for use in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject, said treatment comprising separate, sequential or simultaneous administration to said subject of i) said AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof, and ii) abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone.

[0039] In some embodiments, abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone for use in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject is disclosed, said treatment comprising separate, sequential or simultaneous administration to said subject of i) said abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone, and ii) AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, disclosed is the use of AZD5305 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject, said treatment comprising separate, sequential or simultaneous administration to said subject of i) said medicament comprising AZD5305 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and ii) abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone.

[0041] In some embodiments, AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof and abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone are administered separately, sequentially or simultaneously in a treatment cycle, hi some embodiments, AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered continuously in a treatment cycle, and abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone are also administered continuously in a treatment cycle.

[0042] The terms "continuous" or "sequentially" refer to the administration of a therapeutic agent, such as AZD5305, at regular intervals without stopping or interruption, i.e., without drug holidays. A "drug holiday" means a day when the therapeutic agent is not administered.

[0043] "Cycle", "treatment cycle" or "dosing schedule" as used herein refers to a period of combination treatment repeated on a regular schedule. For example, treatment may be for 1 week, 2 weeks or 3 weeks, with AZD5305 and abiraterone acetate administered in a coordinated manner. In some embodiments, the treatment cycle is for about 1 week to about 3 months. In some embodiments, the treatment cycle is for about 5 days to about 1 month. In some embodiments, the treatment cycle is for about 1 week to about 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the treatment cycle is for about 1 week, about 10 days, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 2 months or about 3 months.

[0044] In some embodiments, AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof and abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone are administered to a human subject in one or more treatment cycles, e.g., a course of treatment. A "course of treatment" includes multiple treatment cycles, which may be repeated on a regular schedule or the schedule may be adjusted stepwise while monitoring the patient's disease progression. For example, a patient's treatment cycle may have a longer treatment period and / or a shorter rest period at the beginning of the treatment course (e.g., when the patient is first diagnosed), and when the cancer goes into remission, the length of one treatment cycle may be increased by increasing the rest period. The duration of treatment and rest in a treatment cycle, the number of treatment cycles, and the length of time of the treatment course may be determined and adjusted throughout the treatment course by one skilled in the art based on the patient's disease progression, treatment tolerance, and prognosis. In some embodiments, the method includes 1 to 10 treatment cycles. In some embodiments, the method includes 2 to 8 treatment cycles.

[0045] In some embodiments, AZD5305, or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof, is administered for 28 days in a 28 day treatment cycle, and abiraterone acetate, and optionally prednisone or prednisolone, are also administered for 28 days in a 28 day treatment cycle.

[0046] In some embodiments, AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered orally. In some embodiments, AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof is in tablet form. In some embodiments, AZD5305 is administered at a dose of up to about 60 mg per day (e.g., up to about 5 mg, up to about 10 mg, up to about 15 mg, up to about 20 mg, up to about 25 mg, up to about 30 mg, up to about 35 mg, up to about 40 mg, up to about 45 mg, up to about 50 mg, up to about 55 mg, or up to about 60 mg of AZD5305). In some embodiments, AZD5305 is administered once daily (QD). In some embodiments, AZD5305 is administered at a dose of about 10 mg QD, about 15 mg QD, about 20 mg QD, about 25 mg QD, about 30 mg QD, about 35 mg QD, about 40 mg QD, about 45 mg QD, about 50 mg QD, about 55 mg QD or about 60 mg QD.

[0047] In some further embodiments, AZD5305 is administered at a dose of up to about 140 mg per day (e.g., up to about 80 mg, up to about 90 mg, up to about 100 mg, up to about 110 mg, up to about 120 mg or up to about 140 mg of AZD5305). In some further embodiments, AZD5305 is administered at a dose of about 80 mg QD, about 90 mg QD, about 100 mg QD, about 110 mg QD, about 120 mg QD or about 140 mg QD.

[0048] In some embodiments, abiraterone acetate is administered orally. In some embodiments, abiraterone acetate is in tablet dosage form. In some embodiments, abiraterone acetate is administered orally once daily (QD) at a dose of about 1000 mg. In some embodiments, a 1000 mg dose comprises two 500 mg tablets or four 250 mg tablets.

[0049] In some embodiments, prednisone or prednisolone is administered orally. In some embodiments, prednisone or prednisolone is in tablet form. In some embodiments, prednisone or prednisolone is administered orally once a day (QD) at a dose of about 5 mg. In some embodiments, prednisone or its prednisolone is administered orally once a day (QD) at a dose of about 10 mg. In some embodiments, when treating mHSPC, prednisone or its prednisolone is administered orally once a day (QD) at a dose of about 5 mg. In some embodiments, when treating mCRPC, prednisone or its prednisolone is administered orally once a day (QD) at a dose of about 10 mg.

[0050] In some embodiments, AZD5305, abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone are taken together on an empty stomach with no food 2 hours before and 1 hour after.

[0051] In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical product is disclosed that comprises i) AZD5305 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and ii) abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone. In some embodiments, AZD5305 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone are present in a single dosage form. In some embodiments, AZD5305 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, abiraterone acetate and optionally prednisone or prednisolone are present in separate dosage forms.

[0052] In some embodiments, a kit is disclosed that includes a first pharmaceutical composition comprising AZD5305 or a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof; a second pharmaceutical composition comprising abiraterone acetate and, optionally, prednisone or prednisolone; and instructions for using the first and second pharmaceutical compositions in combination.

[0053] Metastatic prostate cancer refers to prostate cancer that has spread or metastasized to another part of the body.

[0054] Hormone sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) refers to prostate cancer whose growth is inhibited by reducing androgen levels or blocking androgen action.

[0055] Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) refers to prostate cancer that continues to grow even when androgen levels in the body are very low or undetectable.

[0056] Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) refers to prostate cancer that has spread or metastasized to another part of the body and whose growth is inhibited by reducing androgen levels or blocking androgen action.

[0057] Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) refers to prostate cancer that has spread, or metastasized, to other parts of the body and continues to grow even when androgen levels in the body are very low or undetectable.

[0058] In some embodiments, especially if the patient has not undergone orchiectomy or subcapsular orchiectomy, treatment with a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist or antagonist may be administered simultaneously. LHRH agonists include leuprolide / leuprorelin, goserelin, triptorelin, histrelin and buserelin. LHRH antagonists include degarelix, relugolix, bicalutamide, flutamide and cyproterone acetate. Such additional treatments may be administered with the current standard of care.

[0059] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the combination of AZD5305 and abiraterone acetate may be beneficial because PARP1, in addition to its role in DNA repair, is a positive co-regulator of AR-driven gene expression of AR targets (Schiewer 2012;Schiewer and Knudsen 2014). As a result, AZD5305 should further inactivate the androgen receptor pathway and enhance the effects of abiraterone acetate.

[0060] Furthermore, novel hormonal agents (NHA) have been shown to induce an HRR-deficient phenotype through inhibition of AR signaling (Asim 2017; Goodwin 2013; Li 2017; Polkinghorn 2013; Tarish 2015). Homologous recombination repair gene transcript and protein levels were found to be upregulated in response to enhanced AR signaling in prostate cancer, and increased radioresistance was observed in the presence of functional AR signaling, whereas decreased HRR gene expression was seen in NHA-treated cells and tumor biopsies. As a result, without wishing to be bound by theory, induction of an HRR-deficient phenotype by NHA would result in increased sensitivity to AZD5305, a selective PARP-1 inhibitor.

[0061] In some embodiments, the prostate cancer to be treated may be deficient in homologous recombination (HR)-dependent DNA DSB repair activity. The HR-dependent DNA DSB repair pathway repairs double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA through a homologous mechanism and re-forms a continuous DNA helix (Khanna and Jackson 2001). Components of the HR-dependent DNA DSB repair pathway include ATM (NM_000051), RAD51 (NM_002875), RAD51L1 (NM_002877), RAD51C (NM_002876), RAD51L3 (NM_002878), DMC1 (NM_007068), XRCC2 (NM_005431), XRCC3 (NM_005432), These include, but are not limited to, RAD52 (NM_002879), RAD54L (NM_003579), RAD54B (NM_012415), BRCA1 (NM_007295), BRCA2 (NM_000059), RAD50 (NM_005732), MRE11A (NM_005590) and NBS1 (NM_002485). Other proteins involved in the HR-dependent DNA DSB repair pathway include regulators such as EMSY (Hughes-Davies 2003). HR components are also described in Wood 2001.

[0062] A prostate cancer that is deficient in HR-dependent DNA DSB repair may comprise or consist of one or more cancer cells that have a reduced or abolished ability to repair DNA DSBs through that repair pathway compared to normal cells, i.e., activity of the HR-dependent DNA DSB repair pathway may be reduced or abolished in one or more cancer cells.

[0063] The activity of one or more components of HR-dependent DNA DSB repair pathway may be lost in one or more prostate cancer cells of individuals with HR-dependent DNA DSB repair-deficient prostate cancer.The components of HR-dependent DNA DSB repair pathway are well characterized in the art (see, for example, Wood 2001), and include the components listed above.

[0064] In some embodiments, prostate cancer cells may have a BRCA1 and / or BRCA2 deficient phenotype, i.e., BRCA1 and / or BRCA2 activity is reduced or absent in the cancer cells. Prostate cancer cells with this phenotype may be BRCA1 and / or BRCA2 deficient, i.e., BRCA1 and / or BRCA2 expression and / or activity may be reduced or absent in the prostate cancer cells, for example, due to a mutation or polymorphism in the encoding nucleic acid or an amplification, mutation or polymorphism in a gene encoding a regulator (e.g., the EMSY gene encoding the BRCA2 regulator) (Hughes-Davies 2003).

[0065] BRCA1 and BRCA2 are known tumor suppressors whose wild-type alleles are frequently lost in tumors of heterozygous carriers (Jasin 2002; Tutt 2002).

[0066] In some embodiments, the individual is heterozygous for one or more variations (e.g., mutations and polymorphisms) in BRCA1 and / or BRCA2 or their regulators. Detection of mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 is well known in the art and described, for example, in EP 699754; EP 705903; Neuhausen and Ostrander 1992; Chappuis and Foulkes 2002; Janatova et al., 2003; Jancarkova 2003. Determination of amplification of BRCA2 binding factor EMSY is described in Hughes-Davies 2003.

[0067] Cancer-associated mutations and polymorphisms can be detected at the nucleic acid level by detecting the presence of variant nucleic acid sequences, or at the protein level by detecting the presence of variant (i.e. mutant or allelic variant) polypeptides. EXAMPLES

[0068] The compounds of the present application will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

[0069] Example 1. Efficacy of AZD5305 in combination with abiraterone acetate in in vitro assays cell line The following cell lines were originally obtained from ATCC.

[0070] [Table 1]

[0071] Cell line identity was verified using the CellCheck assay (IDEXX Bioanalytics, Westbrook, ME, USA). All cell lines were verified to be free of viral mycoplasma contamination using the MycoSEQ assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) or the STAT-Myco assay (IDEXX Bioanalytics). All cell lines were grown in RPMI-1640 growth medium (Corning 17-105-CV) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) or 10% charcoal-stripped FBS (ThermoFisher Scientific, 12676029) and 2 mM glutamine where indicated.

[0072] Cell proliferation assay and calculation of combination benefit Cells were dispensed in 384-well or 96-well plates using an Echo 555 (LabCyte, San Jose, CA, USA) or HP D300e Digital Dispenser (HP Life Science Dispensing), respectively. Viable cell numbers before and after treatment (day 7 after treatment) were determined using CellTiter-Glo according to the manufacturer's instructions (Promega, Madison, WI, USA; G7570).

[0073] Cell viability was determined using the Sytox Green assay as described in Davies 2012, and AC 50 The Highest Single Agent (HSA) synergy score was calculated according to Bernenbaum 1989.

[0074] result

[0075] [Table 2]

[0076] Figure 1 shows representative 6x6 synergy matrix heat maps for AZD5305 and abiraterone treatment in prostate cancer cells. Figure 1A shows the heat map for treatment of LnCAP cells, and Figure 1B shows the heat map for treatment of C4-2 cells. HSA represents the calculated excess activity over that expected from an additive combination based on the HSA additivity model.

[0077] Example 2. Efficacy of AZD5305 in combination with abiraterone acetate in in vivo preclinical models LNCaP cells (1 × 10 7 The cells (1:1) are implanted subcutaneously into the flank of male NOD SCID mice (supplied by Charles River, 5-8 weeks old, weighing approximately 25-30 g) using a 23-gauge needle. Tumors grow to approximately 150 mm 3 Once this is reached, the 40 mice with the most similar tumor size will be randomly assigned to treatment groups as shown in the table below.

[0078] [Table 3]

[0079] Medication Formulation

[0080] [Table 4]

[0081] the study Mice are dosed for 42 days and dosages are calculated for individual animals on the day of dosing; dosages are 10 mg / kg.

[0082] Tumor measurements Tumors are measured three times a week using digital calipers. The length and width of the tumor are measured and the volume is calculated using the following formula: Volume = (length x width 2 ) / 2.

[0083] body weight The body weight of all mice in the study was measured and recorded three times per week. This information is used to calculate the exact dosage for each animal.

[0084] Example 3. Clinical Study of AZD5305 in Combination with Abiraterone Acetate to Treat mCRPC and mHSPC Selection Criteria Patients must have a histologically confirmed diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer. Candidates for treatment with abiraterone acetate with current evidence of metastatic prostate cancer, where metastatic status is defined as at least one metastatic lesion documented on either a bone scan or CT / MRI scan. · Surgically or medically castrated and have a serum testosterone level ≤ 50 ng / dL (≤ 1.75 nmol / L) within 28 days (≤) of the first dose of study treatment. Continuous ADT with GnRH agonists or antagonists for patients who have not undergone bilateral orchiectomy must be initiated at least 2 weeks prior to enrollment and must be continued throughout the study. Patients must have one of the following: (a) Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Patients with mCRPC must have documented prostate cancer progression at screening as assessed by the investigator using at least one of the following: (i) PSA (prostate-specific antigen) progression is defined by a minimum of three rising PSA levels with an interval of ≥ 1 week between each determination. The PSA value at the screening visit should be ≥ 1 μg / L (1 ng / mL). (ii) radiological progression of soft tissue disease by RECIST criteria, with or without PSA progression. (iii) radiological progression of bone metastases with two or more documented new bone lesions on bone scan with or without PSA progression. Patients with mCRPC should be either first-line or second-line in the castration-resistant setting (they should have received ≤1 line of systemic therapy previously). Androgen suppression therapy does not count as a line of treatment. Docetaxel, previously used when the patient was in the hormone-sensitive stage of their disease, does not count as a line of treatment. or (b) Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. For patients with mHSPC, the following prior therapies are permitted: (i) Prior treatment with estrogen, cyproterone acetate, or first-generation antiandrogen is permitted as long as treatment was discontinued 3 weeks or 5 half-lives (whichever is shorter) prior to enrollment. (ii) ADT of ≤6 months prior to enrollment is permitted. Androgen deprivation therapy treatment should remain on study. (iii) Patients may have undergone disease-related radiation or surgery; this should have been completed at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment. Adequate organ and bone marrow function, as defined below (without transfusion or growth factor support within 14 days prior to enrollment).

[0085] [Table 5]

[0086] ECOG Performance Status: 0-1 over the past 2 weeks, no deterioration. Life expectancy ≥ 16 weeks.

[0087] Abiraterone acetate, prednisone and AZD5305 dose escalation The starting dose of AZD5305 is 60 mg QD. Abiraterone acetate is administered at 1000 mg QD and prednisone is administered at 5 mg or 10 mg QD, and AZD5305 is co-administered in combination with abiraterone acetate and prednisone starting on day 1 of cycle 1.

[0088] The dose of prednisone corresponds to the indication: For mHSPC, abiraterone acetate is given once daily with 5 mg prednisone. For mCRPC, abiraterone acetate is given once daily with 10 mg prednisone.

[0089] In this study, the cycle length is 28 days, AZD5305 is administered once daily and abiraterone acetate is administered at 1000 mg once daily. AZD5305, abiraterone acetate and prednisone will be taken on an empty stomach with no food 2 hours and 1 hour later. The 1000 mg dose of abiraterone acetate will be taken as two 500 mg film-coated tablets.

[0090] If a starting dose of AZD5305 of 60 mg QD is tolerated, the dose may be titrated to 90 mg QD as necessary (while the abiraterone acetate dose is maintained at 1000 mg QD and the prednisone dose is maintained at 5 mg or 10 mg OD), and if not tolerated, the AZD5305 dose is tapered to 40 mg QD.

[0091] The dose of AZD5305 may be further escalated up to a maximum of 140 mg QD.

[0092] The dose of AZD5305 may be reduced to 20 mg QD due to tolerability or if such a dose is shown to be effective.

[0093] All potential dose escalation and / or dose de-escalation levels after the starting dose (including consideration of intermediate dose levels and alternative schedules of AZD5305) may be adjusted in light of new safety, tolerability and / or PK data.

[0094] References A number of publications have been cited above in order to more fully describe and disclose the invention and the prior art to which it pertains. Full citations for these references are set forth below. Each of these references is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0095] [Table 6]

[0096] [Table 7]

[0097] [Table 8]

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical product for use in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC), or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject, comprising AZD5305 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the treatment comprises the separate, sequential, or concurrent administration of i) AZD5305 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and ii) abiraterone acetate to the subject.

2. The pharmaceutical product according to claim 1, wherein the treatment also includes separate, sequential, or simultaneous administration of prednisone or prednisolone.

3. The pharmaceutical product according to claim 1, wherein the metastatic prostate cancer is metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

4. The pharmaceutical product according to claim 2, wherein the metastatic prostate cancer is metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

5. A pharmaceutical product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein AZD5305 is administered once daily.

6. The pharmaceutical product according to claim 5, wherein AZD5305 is administered in a dose of up to approximately 60 mg per day.

7. The pharmacopoeia according to claim 6, wherein AZD5305 is administered at a dose of 60 mg per day.

8. The pharmaceutical product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein abiraterone acetate is administered once a day.

9. The pharmaceutical product according to claim 8, wherein abiraterone acetate is administered once daily at a dose of 1000 mg.

10. The pharmaceutical product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein AZD5305 and abiraterone acetate are taken together on an empty stomach, without having eaten any food two hours prior.

11. A pharmaceutical product for use in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC), or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in a subject, comprising abiraterone acetate, wherein the treatment comprises i) separate, sequential, or concurrent administration to the subject of abiraterone acetate and ii) AZD5305 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

12. The pharmacopoeia according to claim 11, wherein the treatment also includes separate, sequential, or simultaneous administration of prednisone or prednisolone.

13. The pharmaceutical product according to claim 11, wherein the metastatic prostate cancer is metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

14. The pharmaceutical product according to claim 12, wherein the metastatic prostate cancer is metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

15. The pharmaceutical product according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein AZD5305 is administered once daily.

16. i) a pharmaceutical product comprising AZD5305 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and ii) abiraterone acetate.

17. A kit comprising: a first pharmaceutical composition containing AZD5305 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a second pharmaceutical composition containing abiraterone acetate; and instructions for using the first and second pharmaceutical compositions in combination.

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