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Clinical evidence of the efficacy of everolimus and its potential in the treatment of breast cancer

Authors Saksena, Wong S

Received 8 January 2013

Accepted for publication 5 March 2013

Published 17 May 2013 Volume 2013:5 Pages 27—35

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/BCTT.S30131

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 3



Rujuta Saksena, Serena T Wong

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA

Abstract: The PI3K/Akt/mTOR (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway regulates several key cellular functions and its dysregulation creates an environment that promotes tumorigenesis as well as resistance to therapy. The mTOR inhibitor everolimus has emerged as a promising agent in the treatment of breast cancer and was recently approved in combination with exemestane for advanced hormone receptor–positive disease after progression on a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. Everolimus may also be effective in combination with cytotoxic and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-directed therapies for the treatment of other subtypes of breast cancer. This paper highlights preclinical and clinical data that have emerged on the role of mTOR inhibition in breast cancer. Although generally well tolerated, everolimus carries a unique side effect profile of which both patients and providers should be made aware. Recommendations related to the administration of everolimus in the clinical setting are also discussed.

Keywords: everolimus, breast cancer, mTOR inhibition

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