What is Everolimus?
Everolimus is a targeted therapy which blocks the spread and growth of cancer cells. Everolimus is the generic name for the medication Afinitor, which is manufactured by Novartis.
Everolimus / Afinitor use -
This medication is used for the treatment of HER2-negative or advanced hormone receptor positive breast cancer in Post-menopausal women.
Currently this medication is used for the treatment of renal cell cancer, other tumours. This medication can also be used to prevent rejection of organ transplants as an immunosuppressant.
Everolimus Mechanism of Action
Everolimus is a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor. And this mTOR is a type of protein which is known to be kinase. Kinase main work is to fulfil energy requirement of cells in our body, be it healthy cells or cancer cells. And when these kinases don't work properly, they help in the growth of cancer cells in breast. The mTOR inhibitors like Everolimus works by interfering with kinase and stopping the cancer cells to get their energy requirements fulfilled.
Afinitor Cost
How Everolimus tablets given?
Everolimus tablets are generally taken one tablet a day, with or without food, alongside with the hormone therapy medication exemestane. Its recommended to follow your prescribed physicians instructions for taking this medicine.
Also avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as this may act as a hindrance in the working of the medicine.
Everolimus Side Effects
Afinitor Side effects may be classified into 2 categories – Common side effects and Rare side effects.
Common side effects -
• Risk of Infection
• Skin changes
• Sore mouth and taste change
• Fatigue
• Constipation or Diarrhoea
• Shortness of breath and coughing
• Raised blood glucose levels.
• Bruising and bleeding
• Anaemia
• Nausea and vomiting
• High cholesterol
Rare side effects –
• Heart changes – weakening of heart muscles, chest pain or changes in your heartbeat.
• Slow wound healing
If you are concerned about any of the above side effects or side effects which are not listed above, talk to physician as soon as possible.
Everolimus Cost
Contact your Physician/Hospital immediately if:
• Body temperature rises over 37.5°C or temperature falls under 36°C, or whatever your physician has advised
• Suddenly you feel unwell, even with a normal temperature
• you have any symptoms of an infection, for example a cough throat, feeling shivery or cold, a sore throat, and need to pass urine frequently.
Some Clinical trials proving Everolimus efficacy.
Breast Cancer Trial of Oral Everolimus-2 Clinical Trials
Everolimus along with exemestane was approved for treating HER2 negative and HR-positive metastatic breast cancer after anastrozole or letrozole treatment had not shown successful. The results of this study showed that progression free survival was 4 months more for everolimus + exemestane treatment. The median PFS for exemestane + placebo group was 2.8 months as compares to everolimus + exemestane's 6.9 months.
TAMRAD trial
The TAM-RAD trial examined the everolimus + tamoxifen combination versus tamoxifen alone. A total of 111 patients were enrolled in this study. Out of which 57 were selected at random and were given tamoxifen alone and 54 were given everolimus + tamoxifen. The results depicted that the clinical benefit rate (stable disease of > 6 months in study duration) was 42.1% in tamoxifen group as compared to 61.1% in everolimus + tamoxifen group. Also, the PFS for everolimus + tamoxifen was found to be 8.6 months as compared to 4.5 months in Tamoxifen group.
BRE-43 study
In this study everolimus was combined with fulvestrant for treating metastatic breast cancer and the results were analysed. Out of 31 patients analysed, median time for PFS was 7.4 months and the median Overall survival was 24 months. However, a total of 33% of the patients enrolled exhibited de novo resistance to the treatment.
Triple-negative tumours
Triple-negative tumour are generally at an advanced stage of the breast cancer at the time of diagnosis. During the phase 2 of trial, everolimus was combined with carboplatin, which demonstrated efficacy of this combination. The clinical benefit rate was 36% and median PFS was 3 months.
The information provided on the page is meant for the purpose of being helpful and educational. It should not be considered as medical advice.
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