Immunomodulatory effects of everolimus in a long responsive patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

J Immunother. 2014 Jan;37(1):51-4. doi: 10.1097/CJI.0000000000000006.

Abstract

Everolimus is an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin, approved in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Besides, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition has the ability to modulate T-lymphocyte homeostasis. Here, we report the case of a metastatic renal cell carcinoma patient treated with everolimus who presented unexpected prolonged tumor response. The monitoring of immune responses showed strong antitumor T-cell activation at the time of disease control, whereas a profound immunosuppression occurred when tumor progressed. Thus, a change of immune functions is associated with everolimus treatment. Our observation suggests that everolimus could shape immune responses, which in turn could contribute to its efficacy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology*
  • Everolimus
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Kidney Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / immunology
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Sirolimus / analogs & derivatives*
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Everolimus
  • Sirolimus