Everolimus
Afinitor® (everolimus) was approved by the FDA in 2012. Everolimus is used in combination with exemestane to treat advanced hormoneA chemical produced by cells that alters the activity of other cells. The chemicals may be lipids, such as testosterone and estrogen or proteins like insulin. Hormones may act at locations far from their site of origin. Estrogen, for example, is produced primarily by cells in the ovaries but acts on cells in the breast and elsewhere. receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is also used to treat pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) that cannot be treated with surgery, advanced kidney cancer that have not responded successfully to other treatments, angiomyolipoma, and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) that cannot be completely removed by surgery.1
Everolimus (Afinitor®) is an mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor. The mTOR pathway is dysregulated in many cancers. By inhibiting mTOR and blocking the effects caused by loss of TSC1/TSC2 genes, everolimus reduces cancer cell growth, proliferationRefers to cell division. The proliferation rate is an indicator of how quickly a tumor is growing. The proliferation rate may be represented as a percentage, showing what fraction of the cells are actively involved in the division process., and angiogenesisThe formation of blood vessels. This process is required for a tumor to grow past a small size since the blood delivers nutrients to the cells in the tumor mass.. In turn these leads to apoptosisAlso called programmed cell death. Apoptosis is a natural process that occurs throughout the lives of almost all animals and plants. The death of the cells is a carefully controlled process that does not generate any inflammation. and reduced expression of VEGFVascular endothelial growth factor; a growth factor secreted by cells in the bone marrow that promotes the development of blood vessels (angiogenesis), leading to the growth of tumors..1
Most common side effects include: mouth ulcers, cough, diarrhea, constipation, skin problems, nausea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, increased blood cholesterolA type of lipid, cholesterol is part of a group of molecules called steroids. Cholesterol is essential for the structure and function of our cellular membranes. Testosterone and estrogen are other steroids that are very similar to cholesterol in structure. levels, hyperglycemia, muscle spasms, abnormal taste or dry mouth, headache, hair loss, insomnia, high blood pressure, and dizziness.1
Due to possible severe liver effects, patients with prior liver issues should consult a physician. Everolimus should always be taken consistently and properly each day.1
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