Boehm A, Mayerhofer M, Herndlhofer S, Knoebl P, Sillaber C, Sperr WR, Jaeger U, Valent P. Evaluation of in vivo antineoplastic effects of rapamycin in patients with chemotherapy-refractory AML.
Eur J Intern Med 2009;
20:775-8. [PMID:
19892307 DOI:
10.1016/j.ejim.2009.09.007]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2009] [Revised: 09/06/2009] [Accepted: 09/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has recently been identified as a potential target in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
METHODS
We treated 5 patients with chemotherapy-refractory AML with the mTOR-inhibitor rapamycin at 2mg per os daily for 14 days, with dose adjustment allowed to reach a target serum rapamycin concentration of 10-20 ng/mL. Four of five patients received additional hydroxyurea at constant dose during treatment with rapamycin.
RESULTS
Two patients achieved a leukocyte response, in one of them, a prolonged response was seen. In the other patients, blast counts remained stable or increased during rapamycin therapy. We did not observe severe hematologic or non-hematologic side effects of rapamycin.
CONCLUSION
Rapamycin at 2mg per day acts mildly cytoreductive in a subgroup of patients with refractory AML. Higher doses and drug combinations may be required to obtain long lasting anti-leukemic effects in these patients.
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