Everolimus
- Medical Review: Sabrina Witherby, MD
Everolimus (Afinitor) is a type of targeted therapy called an mTOR inhibitor, or a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor. It stops cancer cells from dividing and may block the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow.
Everolimus was the first mTOR inhibitor approved to treat hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.
How everolimus works
mTOR is a protein kinase, a type of enzyme that helps control cell growth. In some cancers, mTOR-activated proteins work abnormally and encourage cancer cells to grow and spread. mTOR also directs nutrients to the cancer cells, helping to support them.
Increased mTOR activity has been associated with resistance to aromatase inhibitor hormonal therapy in metastatic breast cancer.
Everolimus works to slow or stop mTOR’s role in the growth of cancer cells. Paired with the aromatase inhibitor exemestane (Aromasin), everolimus slows cell growth by blocking nutrients and directions from mTOR and reduces the estrogen that encourages tumor growth.
Who gets everolimus
Everolimus is FDA approved for use with exemestane in postmenopausal women with metastatic, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that grows after treatment with aromatase inhibitors alone.
How everolimus is given
Everolimus is a pill you can take by mouth once a day. You usually need to take it at the same time each day. Your doctor will recommend a specific dosage.
Side effects and things to remember
Everolimus is an effective treatment, but it has some potentially serious side effects. When choosing treatments, talk with your care team about how you can keep your quality of life high while managing breast cancer.
Mouth sores are a common side effect of everolimus. Ask your care team about starting a prescription steroid mouth rinse at the same time you start treatment. This can help reduce symptoms.
Other common side effects may include:
Less common side effects may include:
- Low white blood cell count
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
- Fever
- Headache
- Nosebleeds
- Itching
- Lung problems
- Dry skin
- Rare kidney problems
Before starting everolimus, be sure to tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal or other supplements, and over the counter medicines.
You should avoid becoming pregnant while you are receiving everolimus. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or may be pregnant while you are undergoing treatment.
Your doctor or nurse can help you manage your side effects. You can also visit Side effects for more information.
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