#everolimus

Everolimus belongs to a group of drugs called mTOR inhibitors. mTOR is a protein that affects how cancer cells divide and grow. Everolimus works by blocking mTOR, which helps to stop or slow down the growth of the cancer.

Everolimus is a targeted (biological) therapy. This group of drugs block the growth and spread of cancer. They target and interfere with processes in the cells that cause cancer to grow. Everolimus is the generic, non-branded name of the drug, but you may hear it called by its brand name, Afinitor.

The possible benefits of treatment vary; for some people chemotherapy may reduce the risk of the cancer coming back, for others it may control the cancer and its symptoms. Your doctor will explain to you whether you will receive chemotherapy or another type of treatment, or a combination of both. Your doctor or nurse will be happy to answer any questions you have about your treatment. You will find it useful to refer to the booklet ‘Chemotherapy, a guide’ which gives general information on chemotherapy and side effects.

Everolimus is a type of targeted therapy. This means it works by targeting something specific to the cancer cells, therefore decreasing side effects caused by unwanted damage to the healthy cells. Everolimus is a kinase inhibitor that inhibits mTor kinase, an enzyme required for cell growth and survival. By blocking this enzyme, the medication prevents cell division and, in turn, tumor growth. The medication can also interrupt angiogenesis, the development of blood vessels to supply the tumor with nutrients, which they need to grow.

Everolimus received initial FDA approval in 2009 for the treatment of patients with advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma after failure of treatment with sunitinib or sorafenib. The drug received FDA approval for the treatment of patients with Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (SEGA) associated with tuberous sclerosis (TS) who require treatment but are not surgical candidates in 2010. Approval for the treatment of adults with progressive neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic origin (PNET) was obtained in 2010 as well. FDA approval in advanced breast cancer was granted in 2012.