Management of adverse events in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer treated with everolimus: observations from a phase III clinical trial

Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Treatment, Maintenance, and Future Directions

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a neurogenetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, skin, and central nervous system. The neurologic manifestations have the highest morbidity and mortality, in particular in children. Clinically, patients with TSC often present with new-onset seizures within the first year of life. TSC-associated epilepsy is often difficult to treat and refractory to multiple antiseizure medications. Refractory TSC-associated epilepsy is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental comorbidities, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention hyperactivity disorder. An increasing body of research suggests that early, effective treatment of TSC-associated epilepsy during critical neurodevelopmental periods can potentially improve cognitive outcomes. Therefore, it is important to treat TSC-associated epilepsy aggressively, whether it be with pharmacological therapy, surgical intervention, and/or neuromodulation. This review discusses current and future pharmacological treatments for TSC-associated epilepsy, as well as the importance of early surgical evaluation for refractory epilepsy in children with TSC and consideration of neuromodulatory interventions in young adults.

An analysis of the treatment effect of two modes of oxygenation on patients with radiation pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) is widely used in the treatment of thoracic cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a non-rebreather mask (NRBM) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in patients with radiation pneumonia complicated with respiratory failure.

METHODS

This was a single-center randomized controlled study. Patients admitted to the EICU of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University were selected and divided into NRBM and HFNC group. Arterial blood gas analysis, tidal volume, respiratory rates and the cases of patients receiving invasive assisted ventilation were collected at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after admission.

RESULTS

(1) The PaO2/FiO2, respiratory rates, and tidal volume between the two groups at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h were different, with F values of 258.177, 294.121, and 134.372, all P< 0.01. These indicators were different under two modes of oxygenation, with F values of 40.671, 168.742, and 55.353, all P< 0.01, also varied with time, with an F value of 7.480, 9.115, and 12.165, all P< 0.01. (2) The incidence of trachea intubation within 72 h between HFNC and NRBM groups (23 [37.1%] vs. 34 [54.0%], P< 0.05). The transition time to mechanical ventilation in the HFNC and NRBM groups (55.3 ± 3.2 h vs. 45.9 ± 3.6 h, P< 0.05). (3) The risk of intubation in patients with an APACHE-II score > 23 was 2.557 times than score ⩽ 23, and the risk of intubation in the NRBM group was 1.948 times more than the HFNC group (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the NRBM, HFNC can improve the oxygenation state of patients with radiation pneumonia complicated with respiratory failure in a short time, and reduce the incidence of trachea intubation within 72 h.

Novel Targeted Therapies for Metastatic Thyroid Cancer-A Comprehensive Review

The knowledge on thyroid cancer biology has grown over the past decade. Thus, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to manage thyroid cancer are rapidly evolving. With new insights into tumor biology and cancer genetics, several novel therapies have been approved for the treatment of thyroid cancer. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as lenvatinib and sorafenib, have been successfully utilized for the treatment of radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). In addition, pretreatment with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors (trametinib and selumetinib) has been shown to restore RAI avidity in previously RAI-refractory DTCs. Local therapies, such as external beam radiation and radiofrequency/ethanol ablation, have also been employed for treatment of DTC. Vandetanib and cabozantinib are the two TKIs currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Other novel therapies, such as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) vaccine, have also been utilized in treating MTC. Ongoing trials on selective rearranged-during-transfection (RET) protooncogene inhibitors, such as LOXO-292 and BLU-667, have demonstrated promising results in the treatment of metastatic MTC resistant to non-selective TKIs. The FDA-approved BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination of dabrafenib and trametinib has revolutionized treatment of BRAFV600E mutation positive anaplastic thyroid cancer. Several other emerging classes of medications, such as gene fusion inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, are being actively investigated in several clinical trials. In this review, we describe the molecular landscape of thyroid cancer and novel targeted therapies and treatment combinations available for the treatment of metastatic thyroid cancer.

A Conformational Restriction Strategy for the Identification of a Highly Selective Pyrimido-pyrrolo-oxazine mTOR Inhibitor

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a pivotal role in growth and tumor progression and is an attractive target for cancer treatment. ATP-competitive mTOR kinase inhibitors (TORKi) have the potential to overcome limitations of rapamycin derivatives in a wide range of malignancies. Herein, we exploit a conformational restriction approach to explore a novel chemical space for the generation of TORKi. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies led to the identification of compound 12b with a ∼450-fold selectivity for mTOR over class I PI3K isoforms. Pharmacokinetic studies in male Sprague Dawley rats highlighted a good exposure after oral dosing and a minimum brain penetration. CYP450 reactive phenotyping pointed out the high metabolic stability of 12b. These results identify the tricyclic pyrimido-pyrrolo-oxazine moiety as a novel scaffold for the development of highly selective mTOR inhibitors for cancer treatment.

Cost-Effectiveness of Second-Line Endocrine Therapies in Postmenopausal Women with Hormone Receptor-positive and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-negative Metastatic Breast Cancer in Japan

BACKGROUND

Exemestane (EXE), exemestane + everolimus (EXE + EVE), toremifene (TOR), and fulvestrant (FUL) are second-line endocrine therapies for postmenopausal hormone receptor-positive (HR +)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2 -) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) in Japan. Although the efficacy of these therapies has been shown in recent studies, cost-effectiveness has not yet been determined in Japan.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of second-line endocrine therapies for the treatment of postmenopausal women with HR + and HER2 - mBC.

METHODS

A Markov model was developed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of the therapies over a 15-year time horizon from a public healthcare payer's perspective. The efficacy and utility parameters were determined via a systematic search of the literature. Direct medical care costs were used. A discount rate of 2% was applied for costs and outcomes. Subgroup analysis was performed for non-visceral metastasis. A series of sensitivity analyses, including probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) and threshold analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Base-case analyses estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of 3 million and 6 million Japanese yen (JPY)/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained for TOR and FUL 500 mg relative to EXE, respectively. FUL 250 mg and EXE + EVE were dominated. The overall survival (OS) highly influenced the ICER. With a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 5 million JPY/QALY, the probability of TOR being cost-effective was the highest. Subgroup analysis in non-visceral metastasis revealed 0.4 and 10% reduction in ICER from the base-case results of FUL5 500 mg versus EXE and TOR versus EXE, respectively, while threshold analysis indicated EVE and FUL prices should be reduced 73 and 30%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

As a second-line therapy for postmenopausal women with HR +/HER2 - mBC, TOR may be cost-effective relative to other alternatives and seems to be the most favorable choice, based on a WTP threshold of 5 million JPY/QALY. FUL 250 mg is expected to be as costly and effective as EXE. The cost-effectiveness of EXE + EVE and FUL 500 mg could be improved by a large price reduction. However, the results are highly sensitive to the hazard ratio of OS. Policy makers should carefully interpret and utilize these findings.

Stomatitis associated with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition: A review of pathogenesis, prevention, treatment, and clinical implications for oral practice in metastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with metastatic breast cancer may develop oral morbidities that result from therapeutic interventions. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor-associated stomatitis (mIAS) is a common adverse event (AE), secondary to mTOR inhibitor therapy, that can have a negative impact on treatment adherence, quality of life, and health care costs. A multidisciplinary team approach is important to minimize mIAS and to maximize treatment benefits to patients with breast cancer. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and natural history of mIAS. Current and new management strategies for the prevention and treatment of mIAS are described in the context of fostering a coordinated team care approach to optimizing patient care.

TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED

The authors conducted a PubMed search from 2007 through 2017 using the terms "stomatitis," "mIAS," "everolimus," "mTOR," "metastatic breast cancer," and "oral care." They selected articles published in peer-reviewed journals that reported controlled trials and evidence-based guidelines.

RESULTS

mIAS can be distinguished from mucositis caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy on the basis of cause, clinical presentation, and treatment paradigms. Specific preventive and therapeutic management strategies can be implemented across the continuum of patient oral health care.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Oral health care providers are on the frontline of oral health care for patients with metastatic breast cancer and are uniquely positioned to provide patient education, advocate accurate reporting of mIAS, and support early identification, monitoring, and prompt intervention to mitigate the severity and duration of this manageable, potentially dose-limiting AE.

Everolimus-associated perianal ulcers in an eight-month-old heart transplant recipient

mTOR inhibitors have a wide spectrum of therapeutic applications in adults and children. Little is known, however, about serious adverse effects in children undergoing mTOR inhibitor therapy. Oral ulcers are common and sometimes severe, but no other gastrointestinal involvement has been reported so far. Here we present a case of everolimus-associated perianal ulcers in an eight-month-old infant, 3 months after heart transplantation, which necessitated the drug's discontinuation. In a thorough series of diagnostic tests, we identified no other cause for the progressive perianal ulceration. The recognition and appropriate management of mTOR inhibitors' adverse effects in pediatric patients are essential and remain challenging.

mTOR Cross-Talk in Cancer and Potential for Combination Therapy

The mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays an essential role in sensing and integrating a variety of exogenous cues to regulate cellular growth and metabolism, in both physiological and pathological conditions. mTOR functions through two functionally and structurally distinct multi-component complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which interact with each other and with several elements of other signaling pathways. In the past few years, many new insights into mTOR function and regulation have been gained and extensive genetic and pharmacological studies in mice have enhanced our understanding of how mTOR dysfunction contributes to several diseases, including cancer. Single-agent mTOR targeting, mostly using rapalogs, has so far met limited clinical success; however, due to the extensive cross-talk between mTOR and other pathways, combined approaches are the most promising avenues to improve clinical efficacy of available therapeutics and overcome drug resistance. This review provides a brief and up-to-date narrative on the regulation of mTOR function, the relative contributions of mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes to cancer development and progression, and prospects for mTOR inhibition as a therapeutic strategy.

Anticancer Drugs Induced Severe Adverse Cutaneous Drug Reactions: An Updated Review on the Risks Associated with Anticancer Targeted Therapy or Immunotherapies

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions are commonly seen in patients with anticancer drug treatment. Anticancer drugs, including chemotherapy, target therapy, and recent immunotherapy causing skin reactions ranging from mild skin rash to life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrosis (TEN) with increase morbidity and mortality while they are receiving cancer treatments, have been proposed to be a result of direct skin toxicity or drug hypersensitivity reactions (these are proposed mechanism, not definite). Differentiating SCARs from other more commonly seen reactions with a better outcome help prevent discontinuation of therapy and inappropriate use of systemic immunosuppressants for presumable allergic reactions, of which will affect the clinical outcome. In this article, we have reviewed published articles from 1950 to August 2017 for SJS/TEN associated with anticancer drugs, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. We aimed to provide an overview of SJS/TEN associated with anticancer drugs to increase clinician recognition and accelerate future studies on the pathomechanism and managements.

Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of Endocrine Monotherapy and in Combination with Targeted Therapy on Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women with HR+/HER2- Advanced Breast Cancer

INTRODUCTION

A major treatment goal for advanced breast cancer (ABC) is to maintain or ideally improve patient quality of life (QoL). Given the changing disease landscape, this systematic literature review (SLR) aims to assess the impact of endocrine therapies (ET), including ET monotherapy (ET mono) and ET combined with targeted therapy (ET + TT), on QoL of women with HR+/HER2- ABC.

METHODS

A SLR was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the following criteria: (1) included ET mono or ET + TT, (2) reported QoL outcomes, (3) focused on women with HR+/HER2- ABC, and (4) published after 2007 (when standardized HER2 testing became available). The databases searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and key conference proceedings from 2013 to 2016. QoL outcomes for ET mono, ET + TT, and comparisons between the two were summarized from the identified trials.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies (representing 6 RCTs) were identified. The study populations included first-line (5 studies) and ET-failure settings (6 studies). Across settings, global health status (GHS) maintained or deteriorated slightly on these treatments during the trial period. Time to deterioration (TTD) in QoL measured by GHS was analyzed in 6 studies and 4 RCTs. In the first-line setting, reported median TTD in GHS was similar between ET mono and ET + TT (7.2-13.8 months in ET mono; 11.1 months in ET + TT). In the ET-failure setting, ET + TT showed significantly longer TTD vs. ET mono in GHS (median 5.6-8.4 months in ET mono and 8.3-11.7 months in ET + TT) and some additional domains.

CONCLUSIONS

ET + TT users experienced similar QoL in the first-line and ET-failure setting relative to patients on ET mono. Moreover, ET + TT users experienced better QoL outcomes in some domains in the ET-failure setting relative to ET mono users.

FUNDING

Novartis.

Targeting the mTOR pathway in breast cancer

Mechanistic target of rapamycin controls cell growth, metabolism, and aging in response to nutrients, cellular energy stage, and growth factors. In cancers including breast cancer, mechanistic target of rapamycin is frequently upregulated. Blocking mechanistic target of rapamycin with rapamycin, first-generation and second-generation mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors, called rapalogs, have shown potent reduction of breast cancer tumor growth in preclinical models and clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the fundamental role of the mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway in driving breast tumors. Moreover, we also review key molecules involved with aberrant mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway activation in breast cancer and current efforts to target these components for therapeutic gain. Further development of predictive biomarkers will be useful in the selection of patients who will benefit from inhibition of the mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway.

Oral mucosal changes induced by anticancer targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors

Development of biological targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors has redefined the treatment for many cancers; however, the increasing use of new protocols has led to physicians observing a new spectrum of toxicities. To date, oral adverse events induced by these new anticancer therapies have been mainly reported using nonspecific terminology ("stomatitis," "mucosal inflammation," "mucositis") and remain poorly characterized, with the exception of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor-associated stomatitis. Oral toxicities of targeted therapies often display very characteristic features which clearly differ from classic oral injuries observed with cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. In addition, they frequently affect more than 20% of treated patients and can lead to a significant morbidity or permanent treatment discontinuation. Oral mucosal toxicities described in this review include mTOR inhibitor-associated stomatitis (mIAS); stomatitis, benign migratory glossitis, and osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with multi-targeted kinase inhibitors of the VEGF and PDGF receptors; mucositis induced by EGFR inhibitors (in monotherapy or in combination with head and neck radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy); hyperkeratotic lesions with BRAF inhibitors; pigmentary changes and lichenoid reactions secondary to imatinib; and more recent data on the "Osler-Weber-Rendu-like syndrome" described with the antibody-drug conjugate, TDM-1. Finally, we provide, to our knowledge, the first available structured data on oral toxicities induced by the new recently FDA- and EMA-approved monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-1. Clinical management of these targeted therapy-related oral changes is also discussed.

Management of everolimus-associated adverse events in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex: a practical guide

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder characterised by highly variable comorbid dysfunction and subsequent morbidity. The mTOR inhibitor everolimus is indicated for the treatment of adult TSC patients with renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) and for subependymal giant astrocytoma (SEGA) in both adults and children, based on data from the EXIST-1 and EXIST-2 trials. However, due to the historical predominance of everolimus in the oncology setting, some physicians who treat TSC patients may be unfamiliar with everolimus-associated adverse events (AEs) and appropriate management strategies. This article aims to serve as a resource for specialists including nephrologists, paediatricians, neurologists and geneticists who require practical guidance on the management of events such as non-infectious pneumonitis, rash, stomatitis, infections, and renal AEs. Additional consideration is given to drug interactions, hepatic impairment, fertility, and sexual maturation. Since patients with TSC receive clinical benefit from continued therapy, it is important that everolimus-related events are dealt with appropriately through strategies such as dose modification, interruption, the provision of supportive care, regular monitoring, and patient education.

Safety, Efficacy, and Patient Acceptability of Everolimus in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Everolimus combined with exemestane is an important treatment option for patients suffering from estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, advanced breast cancer (ABC) who have been previously treated with a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI). After presentation of phase III registration trial BOLERO-2, several phase IIIb trials have been started to evaluate this regimen in a more real-world setting. Here, we review the efficacy and safety data published or presented at selected international meetings. These studies confirmed the outcome observed in the BOLERO-2 trial. Patient acceptance rate is also discussed by focusing on the permanent everolimus discontinuation rate in these trials. Factors influencing the safety profile are also reported, including the impact of age. The optimal sequence of combined therapy approaches associating targeted and endocrine therapy (ET) has yet to be determined as new treatment options such as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors become available. However, everolimus-exemestane remains an important treatment option with a major impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and an acceptable safety profile.

Everolimus and exemestane in long survival hormone receptor positive male breast cancer: case report

Background

Male breast cancer is a rare event, accounting for approximately 1% of all breast carcinomas. Although men with breast cancer had poorer survival when compared with women, data on prognosis principally derive from retrospective studies and from extrapolation of female breast cancer series. We reported the case of a very long survival patient.

Case presentation

A caucasian 42-year-old man underwent radical mastectomy with axillary dissection for breast cancer in 1993. Pathologic stage was pT4pN0M0 infiltrating ductal carcinoma of right breast without lymph nodes metastases. Biological characterization was not available. He received adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy, six cycles of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil, then endocrine therapy with tamoxifen for 5 years and complementary radiotherapy. Then he began clinical-instrumental follow up. In May 1996, a computed tomography scan showed multiple lung metastases. Hereafter he received several oncologic treatment including seven chemotherapy and five endocrine therapy lines with two re-challenge of endocrine therapy. In October 2007 further lung progression was showed and a biopsy was performed to characterize the disease. Histological examination confirmed breast cancer metastases, immunohistochemistry showed positive staining for estrogen receptor, negative for progesterone receptor and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2, proliferative index was 21%. In April 2013, bone disease progression was evident and he received radiant treatment to sacral spine. In May 2014 an off-label treatment with exemestane and everolimus combination was approved by Ethics Committee of the Marche Region. The patient received treatment for 3 months with evident clinical benefit to subcutaneous lesions of the chest wall that were not visible nor palpable on physical examination after 1 month of treatment.

Conclusion

That is the case of long survival male breast cancer patient with luminal B subtype and no BRCA mutations. He achieved higher progression free survival with endocrine therapy creating the rationale for last line treatment with everolimus and exemestane combination. Attending conclusive results from ongoing studies, everolimus and exemestane should not be used routinely in male metastatic breast cancer patients, but taking into account for selected cases. At the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of male beast cancer treated with exemestane and everolimus combination.

Targeting mTOR to reduce Alzheimer-related cognitive decline: from current hits to future therapies

INTRODUCTION

The mTOR pathway is involved in the regulation of a wide repertoire of cellular functions in the brain and its dysregulation is emerging as a leitmotif in a large number of neurological disorders. In AD, altered mTOR signaling contributes to the inhibition of autophagy deposition of Aβ and tau aggregates and to the alteration of several neuronal metabolic pathways. Areas covered: In this review, we report all the current findings on the use of mTOR inhibitors (rapamycin, rapalogues) in the treatment of AD. These results support the role of mTOR inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents able to reduce AD hallmarks and recover cognitive performances. Expert commentary: Despite mTOR inhibitors appearing to be ideal compounds to counteract AD, further studies are needed in order to gain knowledge on the involvement of aberrant mTOR in AD, and to standardize a valuable therapeutic approach that can be translated to humans.

Topical Application of a Galenical Formulation for the Management of Everolimus-Induced Mucositis in Patients with Metastatic Cancer: a Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Stomatitis is a common and potentially dose-limiting adverse event of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor therapy. To minimize dose reductions or treatment delays that may affect therapeutic outcomes, management includes patient education, pain management strategies, and drug treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a topically-applied galenical preparation to minimize the impact of everolimus-associated oral mucositis in patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS

Patients receiving everolimus plus exemestane for advanced breast cancer or everolimus alone for advanced renal cancer were eligible for inclusion. All patients were advised on procedures to maintain good oral hygiene and directed to use a dexamethasone-containing galenical preparation at the first signs of mucositis. Questionnaires were administered at baseline, and after cycles one, two, and three to evaluate the presence, duration, and intensity of oral mucositis.

RESULTS

Of the 19 patients included in the study (mean age 66 years; 16% male), mucositis developed in 10.5%, 47.4%, and 52.6% of patients after the first, second, and third cycles of everolimus, respectively. The median time to development of mucositis was 18.0 days, and the median time to mucositis resolution was 30.0 days. After the first, second, and third cycles of therapy, 5.3%, 10.5%, and 10.5% of patients required interruption of everolimus therapy; however, no dosage reductions for mucositis were necessary.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient education and the provision of an effective galenical preparation can minimize the effect of mTOR inhibitor-related mucositis.

Unravelling exemestane: From biology to clinical prospects

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are anti-tumor agents used in clinic to treat hormone-dependent breast cancer. AIs block estrogens biosynthesis by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, preventing tumor progression. Exemestane, a third-generation steroidal AI, belongs to this class of drugs and is currently used in clinic to treat postmenopausal women, due to its high efficacy and good tolerability. Here, its pharmacological and biological aspects as well as its clinical applications and comparison to other endocrine therapeutic agents, are reviewed. It is also focused the benefits and risks of exemestane, drawbacks to be overcome and aspects to be explored.

Treatment patterns and factors associated with the use of everolimus among post-menopausal women with HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer: a retrospective US claims study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the real-world use of everolimus in the treatment of hormone-receptor-positive/human-epidermal-growth-factor-receptor-2-negative (HR+/HER2-) metastatic-breast-cancer (mBC).

METHODS

Postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- mBC who initiated a new therapy for mBC between 20 July 2012 and 31 March 2014 after a non-steroidal-aromatase-inhibitor were identified from two commercial claims databases. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with everolimus use versus endocrine-monotherapy or chemotherapy. Dosing patterns and adherence to everolimus were summarized.

RESULTS

A total of 940 everolimus, 6,134 endocrine-monotherapy, and 3,410 chemotherapy regimens were included across patients' first four lines of therapy. Patients with bone and visceral metastases were more likely to use everolimus versus endocrine-monotherapy. Patients with more comorbidities, visceral or central-nervous-system metastases, and prior chemotherapy use for mBC were less likely to use everolimus versus chemotherapy. Approximately 80% of patients initiated everolimus at label-recommended-dose of 10 mg daily; 60-70% of patients had a medical possession ratio >0.8 to everolimus, and consistently high adherence was observed across lines of therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

For HR+/HER2- mBC, patients treated with everolimus had more severe disease than patients treated with endocrine-monotherapy but less severe disease than patients treated with chemotherapy. Most patients used everolimus according to label-recommended dose and adherence was high across lines of therapy.

New drugs, new challenges for dermatologists: mucocutaneous ulcers secondary to everolimus

Everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, is an emerging drug, which is being increasingly applied in oncology and solid organ transplantation. Oral ulcers are a frequent side effect associated with this immunosupressor. We report the case of a renal transplant recipient who developed disfiguring oral and perianal ulcers secondary to everolimus's toxicity. This is probably the first report of perianal involvement. Dermatologists need to be aware of the potential mucocutaneous adverse effects related to these new drugs that are becoming evermore common in our clinical practice.

PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors in breast cancer

Activation of the phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is common in breast cancer. There is preclinical data to support inhibition of the pathway, and phase I to III trials involving inhibitors of the pathway have been or are being conducted in solid tumors and breast cancer. Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, is currently approved for the treatment of hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer. In this review, we summarise the efficacy and toxicity findings from the randomised clinical trials, with simplified guidelines on the management of potential adverse effects. Education of healthcare professionals and patients is critical for safety and compliance. While there is some clinical evidence of activity of mTOR inhibition in HR-positive and HER2-positive breast cancers, the benefits may be more pronounced in selected subsets rather than in the overall population. Further development of predictive biomarkers will be useful in the selection of patients who will benefit from inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR (PAM) pathway.

Molecular Pathways: Increased Susceptibility to Infection Is a Complication of mTOR Inhibitor Use in Cancer Therapy

As one of the earliest examples of "chemical biology," the M: echanistic T: arget of R: apamycin (mTOR) protein and its chemical inhibitors have been extensively studied across a spectrum of physiologic and pathologic processes at the molecular, organismal, and patient population levels. There are several FDA-approved mTOR inhibitors (sirolimus, everolimus, and temsirolimus) with indications for cancer treatment and for prevention of solid organ rejection. Dozens of mTOR inhibitors are currently being evaluated in hundreds of ongoing clinical trials across a spectrum of diseases, including numerous cancer indications, autoimmune diseases, and a number of congenital disorders. As many of the approved and investigational indications for mTOR inhibitors require long-term treatment, the magnitude and incidence of particular side effects differ from those observed in shorter-term treatments. Here, we focus on the increased risk of infections in patients being treated with mTOR inhibitors. While increased infection rates might be expected from a class of drugs approved as posttransplant immunosuppressants, we review reports from clinical, mechanistic, and genetically engineered mouse model studies detailing a much more nuanced view of mTOR inhibitor drug action and target biology.

Metabolic disorders associated with the use of targeted cancer therapies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The everyday use of targeted therapies, whose mechanisms of action differ from the conventional cytotoxic agents, also causes the emergence of new toxicities as metabolic disorders about which little is known. We propose a systematic literature review of the incidence and physiopathology of targeted therapies-induced metabolic disorders and provide some management guidance.

RECENT FINDINGS

In recent decades, significant breakthroughs in molecular oncology and immunology have been made. The administration of targeted therapies and immunotherapy has been associated with metabolic toxicities such as endocrine disorders, dyslipidemia, induced diabetes, and electrolytic disorders. Current data show that metabolic disorders are becoming increasingly common, but rarely life threatening and often reversible with prompt therapeutic intervention.

SUMMARY

In the era of targeted therapies, medical oncologists should know the symptoms, carefully monitor patients for potential metabolic disorders, and manage these emerging side-effects with the help of endocrinologists and other medical specialists.

Novel agents and associated toxicities of inhibitors of the pi3k/Akt/mtor pathway for the treatment of breast cancer

The pi3k/Akt/mtor (phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/ Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin) signalling pathway is an established driver of oncogenic activity in human malignancies. Therapeutic targeting of this pathway holds significant promise as a treatment strategy. Everolimus, an mtor inhibitor, is the first of this class of agents approved for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer. Everolimus has been associated with significant improvements in progression-free survival; however, it is also associated with increased toxicity related to its specific mechanism of action.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature conducted using a focused medline search was combined with a search of current trials at http://ClinicalTrials.gov/. Summary tables of the toxicities of the various classes of pi3k/Akt/mtor inhibitors were created. A broad group of Canadian health care professionals was assembled to review the data and to produce expert opinion and summary recommendations for possible best practices in managing the adverse events associated with these pathway inhibitors.

RESULTS

Differing toxicities are associated with the various classes of pi3k/Akt/mtor pathway inhibitors. The most common unique adverse events observed in everolimus clinical trials in breast cancer include stomatitis (all grades: approximately 60%), noninfectious pneumonitis (15%), rash (40%), hyperglycemia (15%), and immunosuppression (40%). To minimize grades 3 and 4 toxicities and to attempt to attain optimal outcomes, effective management of those adverse events is critical. Management should be interdisciplinary and should use approaches that include education, early recognition, active intervention, and potentially prophylactic strategies.

DISCUSSION

Everolimus likely represents the first of many complex oral targeted therapies for the treatment of breast cancer. Using this agent as a template, it is essential to establish best practices involving and integrating multiple disciplines for the management of future pi3k/Akt/mtor signalling pathway inhibitors.

Overcoming endocrine resistance in metastatic breast cancer: Current evidence and future directions

About 75% of all breast cancers are estrogen receptor (ER)-positive. They generally have a more favorable clinical behavior, prognosis, and pattern of recurrence, and endocrine therapy forms the backbone of treatment. Anti-estrogens (such as tamoxifen and fulvestrant) and aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane) can effectively control the disease and induce tumor responses in a large proportion of patients. However, the majority of patients progress during endocrine therapy (acquired resistance) and a proportion of patients may fail to respond to initial therapy (de novo resistance). Endocrine resistance is therefore of clinical concern and there is great interest in strategies that delay or circumvent it. A deeper knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that drive endocrine resistance has recently led to development of new strategies that have the promise to effectively overcome it. Many resistance mechanisms have been described, and the crosstalk between ER and growth factor receptor signaling pathways seems to represent one of the most relevant. Compounds that are able to inhibit key elements of these pathways and restore endocrine sensitivity have been studied and more are currently under development. The aim of this review is to summarize the molecular pathophysiology of endocrine resistance in breast cancer and its impact on current clinical management.

Adverse event management of oral mucositis in patients with breast cancer

Oral mucositis (OM) is a clinically important and frequent adverse event (AE) associated with cancer treatment with conventional chemotherapy as well as new targeted agents. Incidence and severity of OM vary from treatment to treatment and from patient to patient. The pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced OM can be divided into 5 phases. OM induced by targeted therapies differs among other things in appearance, course, concomitant AEs and toxicity, and thus could be perceived as an entity distinct from chemotherapy-induced OM with an innate pathogenic mechanism. OM has a severe impact on a patient's quality of life (QoL) by causing complications such as pain and discomfort. Even more important are associated restrictions in nutrition and hydration. Thus, the efficacy of cancer therapy might be impaired due to the necessity of dose delays and dose reductions. Numerous preventive and therapeutic approaches have been evaluated, but currently no single agent has changed the standard of care in preventing and treating OM. Thus, the current management has evolved from clinical experience rather than clinical evidence. This article will review the AE 'OM' induced by breast cancer treatment with chemotherapy and targeted agents in order to provide practical guidance for management and prevention.

Development of protocol for the management of cervical cancer symptoms in resource-constrained developing countries

Cervical cancer is the commonest malignancy of women in economically emerging countries. Patients have distressing symptoms from presentation through follow-up or end of life. Cervical cancer imposes significant burden on health care system due to distressing symptoms and associated loss of quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Multitude of drugs and surgical measures in various combinations can relieve these distressing symptoms and various clinical conditions. The protocols and guidelines for alleviation or relief of symptoms by general pharmacological and surgical measures form an important policy subject in planning cervical cancer management program. These protocol and guidelines are based on the mechanism of action of drugs, extrapolation from management of similar symptoms, and clinical situations arising out of other non-cancerous conditions and experience of health care professionals. Therefore, rigorous evaluation of effectiveness of supportive health care services in developing countries is the need of hour. However, evaluation of such protocol and guidelines are not feasible in emerging economies due to resource constraint. Industrialized affluent nations are also not able to implement and further support care guidelines despite its recognition as an integral part of multidisciplinary management of cancer. Aforementioned factors have created blind spot zone of management purview of cervical cancer. Hence, we attempt to develop protocol for management of adverse events of cervical cancer. Symptoms' and medical conditions' management guidelines evolved on the basis of empirical clinical practice in community and premier oncology centers in resource-constrained developing countries has been presented in this short report. This report should not be an end in itself but has to attract attention of policy-makers, academicians, researchers, and practitioners toward advancing supportive care needs of cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Targeting the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway with everolimus: implications for the management of metastatic breast cancer

The inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) have documented antitumor activity via disruption of various signaling pathways leading to impaired cellular growth, proliferation, and survival. In preclinical studies, mTOR inhibitors use in combination with hormonal therapy has shown promising results in overcoming endocrine resistance in breast cancer cells. The role of everolimus in breast cancer was established in the Breast Cancer Trial of Oral Everolimus-2 (BOLERO-2) trial in combination with exemestane for patients with advanced metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, who relapsed after initial hormonal manipulation. The study met its primary endpoint of significant improvement in progression free survival (PFS) with a median time to progression of 6.9 months in the combination group versus 2.8 months in exemestane group. Favorable improvements in PFS were reported across all patient subgroups regardless of age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, number of prior therapies, and presence of visceral metastases. Adverse events were mostly mild to moderate in severity and consistent with the known safety profile of everolimus. Major toxicities reported include stomatitis, non-infectious pneumonitis, and hyperglycemia. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of everolimus as a valuable component in advanced metastatic breast cancer and delineate current strategies to prevent and manage the most common toxicities associated with this combination regimen.

Pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis associated with breast cancer treatments

To review the available published data regarding the incidence, mechanisms of pathogenesis, clinical presentations and management of pneumonitis caused by anti-cancer treatments (radiotherapy (RT) and systemic agents) that are included in the guidelines of the treatment of breast cancer (BC) and address the issues on the current grading classification of pneumonitis. A literature search was performed between July and October 2013 using PubMed for papers published from January 1989 to October 2013. Any clinical trial, case report, case series, meta-analysis or systematic review that reported on pulmonary toxicity of any BC therapeutic modality was included (only papers published in English). Most of anticancer treatments currently used in the management of BC may induce some degree of pneumonitis that is estimated to have an incidence of 1-3 %. There is an obvious distinction between chemotherapy- and targeted treatment-related lung toxicity. Moreover, the current classification of pneumonitis needs to be modified as there is a clear diversity in grade 2. As pneumonitis is relatively common and reported as side effect of new anticancer agents, physicians need to be aware of the clinical and radiological manifestations of drug- and RT-induced toxicities in patients with BC. A key recommendation is the subdivision of grade 2 cases to two subgroups. We provide an algorithm, along with real life cases as managed in the breast Unit of Royal Marsden Hospital, with the aim to guide physicians in managing all possible eventualities that may come across in clinical practise.

Aromatase inhibitors in the breast cancer clinic: focus on exemestane

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in women and responsible for significant female cancer-related mortality worldwide. In the Western world, over 80% of breast cancers are hormone-receptor positive for which endocrine therapy is administered. The main anti-estrogen treatments in use consist of selective estrogen-receptor modulators, such as tamoxifen, and third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs), such as exemestane, letrozole, and anastrozole. In this review, the focus will lie on exemestane, its clinical use, and its side-effect profile. Exemestane is the only third-generation steroidal AI. Its efficacy as a first-line treatment in metastatic breast cancer has been demonstrated. Therefore, exemestane could be considered a valid first-line therapeutic option, but it also can be used in second-line or further situations. Exemestane is mostly used as part of sequential adjuvant treatment following tamoxifen, but in this setting it is also active in monotherapy. Furthermore, this AI has been studied in the neoadjuvant setting as presurgical treatment, and even as chemoprevention in high-risk healthy postmenopausal women. It may reverse side effects of tamoxifen, such as endometrial changes and thromboembolic disease but may also cause some inconvenient side effects itself. Additionally, there is a lack of total cross-resistance between exemestane and nonsteroidal AIs as far as their anti-tumoral efficacy is concerned; moreover the two classes of AIs display a nontotal overlapping toxicity profile. Taking together, exemestane can be considered as a useful treatment option at all stages of breast cancer.

Everolimus: side effect profile and management of toxicities in breast cancer

Everolimus is an orally available inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which has been approved in combination with exemestane for hormone receptor-positive (HR) breast cancer after failure of treatment with non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors. Everolimus is generally very well tolerated with most common side effects including stomatitis, rash, fatigue, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and myelosuppression. Most of these side effects are mild and resolve with dose interruptions or dose reductions. Symptomatic non-infectious pneumonitis is a relatively uncommon class effect of mTOR inhibitors, which can be life threatening. Given the efficacy of everolimus in HR-positive metastatic breast cancer, it is crucial for physicians to recognize toxicities related to everolimus and start timely interventions. This review will focus on the adverse events reported with everolimus in breast cancer trials and will provide practical guidelines for the management of these adverse events.