REGINA: A phase II trial of neoadjuvant regorafenib (Rego) in combination with nivolumab (Nivo) and short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) in intermediate-risk, stage II-III rectal cancer (RC).

TPS226 Background: Despite recent improvements, management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) remains challenging, and many patients (pts) still experience recurrence. In preclinical models, combining Rego with an anti-PD-1 inhibitor led to superior tumour growth suppression as compared with either treatment alone. In a phase I clinical trial, remarkable results were reported for the combination of Rego and Nivo in advanced MSS colorectal cancer. This synergistic effect is thought to be secondary to the anti-angiogenic effects of Rego and its potential to reduce TAMs, promote M1 macrophage conversion, and down-regulate expression of immunosuppressive factors. Building on these data, we designed a trial of Rego-Nivo with standard SCRT in the neoadjuvant setting of RC. Methods: REGINA is an academic, multicentre, single-arm, phase II trial sponsored by Institut Jules Bordet. Eligible patients are treated according to the following plan: induction phase (Nivo 240 mg IV D1&15, and Rego 80 mg PO D1-14), SCRT (D22-26), consolidation phase (Nivo 240 mg IV D29,43&57, and Rego 80 mg PO D29-49), and surgery (7-8 weeks after SCRT). Key eligibility criteria include age ≥18 years, ECOG PS ≤1, adenocarcinomas below the peritoneal reflection, intermediate-risk, stage II-III tumour (ie, cT3/T4aNany or cT1-2N+, no involvement/threatening of the mesorectal fascia, no involvement of lateral pelvic lymph nodes) irrespective of microsatellite instability status. The primary endpoint is pathological complete response (pCR). Secondary endpoints include, among others, toxicity, compliance to treatment, pathological tumour regression grade, event-free survival, and overall survival. Subjects will be followed for recurrence and survival for 5 years after end of treatment visit. The study follows a Simon’s two-stage design (null hypothesis pCR = 12%, alternative hypothesis pCR = 24%; α= 5%, β= 20%) with a maximum of 60 pts to be enrolled. A safety interim analysis is planned after the first 6 pts have completed treatment. Serial collection of tumour, blood, and stool samples is mandatory at pre-specified time points for exploratory correlative biomarker analyses. The trial is planned to be run at 8-10 centres across Belgium. Study recruitment started in Q1 2021 and is anticipated to complete in Q3 2023. The study is funded by Bayer. Clinical trial information: NCT04503694.