sirolimus and Angiomyolipoma

Potential benefits of rapamycin or rapalogs for treating people with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) have been shown. Currently everolimus (a rapalog) is only approved for TSC-associated renal angiomyolipoma and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), but not other manifestations of TSC. A systematic review needs to establish evidence for rapamycin or rapalogs for various manifestations in TSC. This is an updated review.. To determine the effectiveness of rapamycin or rapalogs in people with TSC for decreasing tumour size and other manifestations and to assess the safety of rapamycin or rapalogs in relation to their adverse effects.. We identified relevant studies from the Cochrane-Central-Register-of-Controlled-Trials (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE and ongoing trials registries with no language restrictions. We searched conference proceedings and abstract books of conferences. Date of the last searches: 15 July 2022.. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of rapamycin or rapalogs in people with TSC.. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of each study; a third review author verified the extracted data and risk of bias decisions. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.. The current update added seven RCTs, bringing the total number to 10 RCTs (with 1008 participants aged 3 months to 65 years; 484 males). All TSC diagnoses were by consensus criteria as a minimum. In parallel studies, 645 participants received active interventions and 340 placebo. Evidence is low-to-high certainty and study quality is mixed; mostly a low risk of bias across domains, but one study had a high risk of performance bias (lack of blinding) and three studies had a high risk of attrition bias. Manufacturers of the investigational products supported eight studies. Systemic administration Six studies (703 participants) administered everolimus (rapalog) orally. More participants in the intervention arm reduced renal angiomyolipoma size by 50% (risk ratio (RR) 24.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.51 to 173.41; P = 0.001; 2 studies, 162 participants, high-certainty evidence). In the intervention arm, more participants in the intervention arm reduced SEGA tumour size by 50% (RR 27.85, 95% CI 1.74 to 444.82; P = 0.02; 1 study; 117 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) ,and reported more skin responses (RR 5.78, 95% CI 2.30 to 14.52; P = 0.0002; 2 studies; 224 participants; high-certainty evidence). In one 18-week study (366 participants), the intervention led to 25% fewer seizures (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.09; P = 0.0001) or 50% fewer seizures (RR 2.28, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.60; P = 0.0004); but there was no difference in numbers being seizure-free (RR 5.30, 95% CI 0.69 to 40.57; P = 0.11) (moderate-certainty evidence). One study (42 participants) showed no difference in neurocognitive, neuropsychiatry, behavioural, sensory and motor development (low-certainty evidence). Total adverse events (AEs) did not differ between groups (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.22; P = 0.16; 5 studies; 680 participants; high-certainty evidence). However, the intervention group experienced more AEs resulting in withdrawal, interruption of treatment, or reduced dose (RR 2.61, 95% CI 1.58 to 4.33; P = 0.0002; 4 studies; 633 participants; high-certainty evidence and also reported more severe AEs (RR 2.35, 95% CI 0.99 to 5.58; P = 0.05; 2 studies; 413 participants; high-certainty evidence). Topical (skin) administration Four studies (305 participants) administered rapamycin topically. More participants in the intervention arm showed a response to skin lesions (RR 2.72, 95% CI 1.76 to 4.18; P < 0.00001; 2 studies; 187 participants; high-certainty evidence) and more participants in t. Oral everolimus reduces the size of SEGA and renal angiomyolipoma by 50%, reduces seizure frequency by 25% and 50% and implements beneficial effects on skin lesions with no difference in the total number of AEs compared to placebo; however, more participants in the treatment group required a dose reduction, interruption or withdrawal and marginally more experienced serious AEs compared to placebo. Topical rapamycin increases the response to skin lesions and facial angiofibroma, an improvement score, satisfaction and the risk of any AE, but not severe adverse events. With caution regarding the risk of severe AEs, this review supports oral everolimus for renal angiomyolipoma, SEGA, seizure, and skin lesions, and topical rapamycin for facial angiofibroma.

Topics: Adult; Angiofibroma; Angiomyolipoma; Astrocytoma; Everolimus; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Male; MTOR Inhibitors; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis

Between 1993 and 2003, through experiments involving Drosophila sp., cancer biologists identified the protein kinase known as the mammalian target of rapamycin, its pathway, and its relationship to the genes responsible for tuberous sclerosis. Thereafter, clinical research has resulted in regulatory approval of mTOR inhibitors for four distinct manifestations of the disease: giant cell astrocytoma, angiomyolipoma, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and epilepsy. These developments are summarized and the practical use of mTOR inhibitors to improve the lives of patients with tuberous sclerosis reviewed.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Clinical Trials as Topic; Epilepsy; Humans; Lymphangiomyoma; Mucositis; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis

In adult tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients, renal complications are the leading cause of death. Beginning in childhood, up to 80 % of patients develop renal angiomyolipoma characterized by a size-dependent risk of life-threatening bleeding. After discovery of the two causative genes, TSC1 and TSC2, and the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulation in the pathogenesis of TSC, an increasing number of clinical studies evaluating mTOR inhibition in TSC patients have shown impressive results in many organ manifestations, such as brain, lung, and kidney. For renal angiomyolipoma, mTOR inhibitor treatment fundamentally changed the approach from preventive embolization or even partial nephrectomy to everolimus treatment in order to preserve kidney function.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Child; Embolization, Therapeutic; Everolimus; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Kidney Function Tests; Kidney Neoplasms; Mutation; Nephrectomy; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Hepatic Angiomyolipoma (HAML) is a rare mesenchymal liver tumour assumed to be predominantly benign, although incidental cases with malignant behaviour such as invasive growth, recurrence after resection and metastases have been reported. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the biological behaviour, estimate the risk of HAML related mortality and recommend on a justifiable management strategy. We performed a systematic literature search in Embase, Medline, Web-of-Science, Scopus, Pubmed Publisher, Cochrane and Google Scholar. We included all articles published from inception until March 2016 which reported on follow-up of various treatment strategies. We included 18 articles reporting on 292 patients. Male:female ratio was estimated at 1:3 with gender not reported in 31 cases. Of 292 patients 247 were treated with surgery, including one liver transplant, seven with chemotherapy or Sirolimus, three with embolization, and 35 conservatively. Recurrence after resection was described in 6/247 (2.4%) with pathologically proven HAML resulting in metastases and death in 2/247 (mortality rate 0.8%). Progression was described in 6/35 patients treated conservatively (21.4%). Two of 12 patients with malignant behaviour of HAML had an epithelioid-type HAML, of the remaining 10 histological subtype was undefined. With a risk estimate of 0.8% in surgically treated patients HAML related mortality is very low. Biopsy is indicated when imaging is inconclusive. In case of certain HAML diagnosis on imaging conservative management with annual imaging is justified. Resection should be considered in case of symptoms, inconclusive biopsy or growth in follow-up.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Hepatectomy; Humans; Liver; Liver Neoplasms; Liver Transplantation; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Sirolimus

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare multisystem disease predominantly affecting women that can occur sporadically or in association with tuberous sclerosis. Lung cysts progressively replace the lung parenchyma, which leads to dyspnea, recurrent pneumothorax, and in some cases respiratory failure. Patients may also have lymphatic disease in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis, and renal angiomyolipomas. Treatment includes supportive care, bronchodilators, and for those with progressive disease, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Bronchodilator Agents; Everolimus; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Pleurodesis; Pneumothorax; Sirolimus; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tuberous Sclerosis; Ultrasonography

We evaluate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in the treatment of renal angiomyolipoma in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex or sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis.. A systematic search of MEDLINE®, Embase®, ACP (American College of Physicians) Journal Club, Cochrane CENTRAL (Central Register of Controlled Trials) and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed. A secondary hand search was performed in relevant journals, references and the grey literature. The screening, quality assessment and data extraction of the retrieved articles were independently performed by 2 reviewers in duplicate. Studies that reported an angiomyolipoma response or adverse events after the treatment of sirolimus were included in the analysis.. Four prospective nonrandomized studies involving 94 patients were included in the study. The overall response rate of angiomyolipoma was 46.8% (44 of 94) in the first year. In the second year the angiomyolipoma response rate for those patients still being treated with sirolimus was 43.5% (20 of 46) and the response rate of the patients whose sirolimus treatment was discontinued was 5% (2 of 40). The most common sirolimus related adverse reactions were stomatitis, respiratory infection, skin lesions and hyperlipidemia, while serious adverse reactions were rarely observed.. This study shows that renal angiomyolipoma shrank during sirolimus therapy but tended to regrow after the therapy was stopped. In general, sirolimus is an effective and safe therapy for renal angiomyolipoma in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex or sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Tuberous Sclerosis

To describe the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition in the treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients with renal angiomyolipoma in relation to available clinical data and clinical practice guidance for the nurse practitioner (NP).. A review of the scientific literature, key clinical congresses, and key clinical trials.. TSC-associated renal angiomyolipomas have a propensity to grow over time and predispose patients to serious and life-threatening consequences. Surgery or invasive interventional therapies may not be the most optimal treatments because of the multiple, bilateral growth pattern of TSC-associated renal angiomyolipomas. Targeted therapies, such as mTOR inhibitors, which have demonstrated efficacy in maintaining and reducing renal angiomyolipoma size, are of great benefit to patients.. Treatment with everolimus, an oral mTOR inhibitor, offers patients a noninvasive pharmacotherapeutic treatment option. The NP, as a key member of the healthcare team overseeing TSC patients, must be knowledgeable about the safety and efficacy of mTOR inhibitors as their use in the patient population increases.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Everolimus; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Neoplasms; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder promoting the development of benign tumors in multiple organ systems, including the skin, brain, and kidneys. In contrast to asymptomatic spontaneous angiomyolipomas, angiomyolipomas in patients with TSC are mostly bilateral and are accompanied by other typical clinical features of TSC. Kidney angiomyolipomas are benign tumors composed of blood vessels, adipose tissue, and smooth muscle and are associated with spontaneous bleeding and potential life-threatening hemorrhage if >4 cm. Current treatment options for angiomyolipoma are focused on conserving kidney function and limiting potentially fatal hemorrhage. TSC is caused by mutations in either TSC1 or TSC2 suppressor genes, resulting in increased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity. Preclinical studies have shown the efficacy of mTOR inhibitors in inhibiting the growth of patient-derived cell lines and suppressing tumors in animal models of TSC. In the clinical setting, mTOR inhibitors have shown promising efficacy in patients with TSC-associated angiomyolipomas and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas. This review explores the diagnosis and current management of TSC-associated angiomyolipomas, the relevance of the mTOR pathway in the pathogenesis of TSC, and the potential promise of mTOR-inhibitor therapy as a systemic therapeutic approach to treat the underlying cause of TSC.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Everolimus; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Treatment Outcome; Tuberous Sclerosis

Patients with tuberous sclerosis complex are at great risk of developing renal lesions as part of their disease. These lesions include renal cysts and tumors. Significant advances in understanding the cell biology of these renal lesions has already led to clinical trials demonstrating that pharmacological interventions are likely possible. This review focuses on the pathology of these renal lesions, their underlying cell biology, and the possible therapeutic strategies that may prove to significantly improve care for these patients.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Child; Humans; Kidney Diseases, Cystic; Kidney Neoplasms; Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1; Multiprotein Complexes; Proteins; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an inherited disorder characterized by hamartomas in different body organs, mainly in the brain, skin, kidney, liver, lung, and heart. The clinical manifestations of TSC are the result of a mutation of one of two tumor suppressor genes, TSC1 and TSC2. Cutaneous findings in TSC should be regarded as cutaneous signs of a pivotal systemic disease. The authors elucidate the variety of neoplasms seen in TSC patients, along with their clinical significance, and suggest suitable evaluation and management strategies.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Brain Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Female; Heart Neoplasms; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Male; Mutation; Radiography; Rhabdomyoma; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

The pace of progress in lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is remarkable. In the year 2000, TSC2 gene mutations were found in LAM cells; in 2001 the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) genes were discovered to regulate cell size in Drosophila via the kinase TOR (target of rapamycin); and in 2008 the results were published of a clinical trial of rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of TOR, in patients with TSC and LAM with renal angiomyolipomas. This interval of just 8 years between a genetic discovery for which the relevant signaling pathway was as yet unknown, to the initiation, completion, and publication of a clinical trial, is an almost unparalleled accomplishment in modern biomedical research. This robust foundation of basic, translational, and clinical research in TOR, TSC, and LAM is now poised to optimize and validate effective therapeutic strategies for LAM. An immediate challenge is to deduce the mechanisms underlying the partial response of renal angiomyolipomas to rapamycin, and thereby guide the design of combinatorial approaches. TOR complex 1 (TORC1), which is known to be active in LAM cells, is a key inhibitor of autophagy. One hypothesis, which will be explored here, is that low levels of autophagy in TSC2-null LAM cells limits their survival under conditions of bioenergetic stress. A corollary of this hypothesis is that rapamycin, by inducing autophagy, promotes the survival of LAM cells, while simultaneously arresting their growth. If this hypothesis proves to be correct, then combining TORC1 inhibition with autophagy inhibition may represent an effective clinical strategy for LAM.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Animals; Autophagy; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Humans; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Respiratory Function Tests; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Breast Neoplasms; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genes, Tumor Suppressor; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Mutation; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Renal epithelioid angiomyolipomas (ReAML) are rare tumors (identified in less than 0,1 per thousand in general population) and represent 8% of operated angiomolipomas (AML). The diagnostic is histological, with an epithelioid cell component among the typical AML cells. ReAML are tumors derived from perivascular epithelioid cells (PEComa). There are benign PEComas, potentially aggressive PEComas and malignant PEComas. Most malignant PEComas are ReAML. There are two ReAML clinical entities, sporadic or associated to Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). ReAML are unique, localized and sporadic solid tumors of the kidney of variable size that can be revealed as classical AML with local symptoms or a complication (hemorrhage). Revelation mode is mostly radiologic. ReAML are fat-poor on CT-scan. They can be misdiagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). (One third of ReAML are malignant with a locoregional, nodal or metastatic evolution that can lead to death. ReAML treatments are multimodal depending of histology, clinical-radiological entity, evolution and the patient. Partial nephrectomy or follow-up are the benign entity treatment. Radical nephrectomy eventually followed by doxorubicine or rapamycine treatments are recommended for potentially aggressive and malignant entities.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Biomarkers, Tumor; Doxorubicin; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Nephrectomy; Prognosis; Protein Kinases; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Treatment Outcome

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is characterized by benign tumours in multiple organs, including the brain, kidneys, skin, lungs and heart. Our objective was to evaluate everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, in the treatment of angiomyolipoma in patients with subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) associated with TSC.. EXamining everolimus In a Study of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-1 (NCT00789828), a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 3 study, examined everolimus in treating SEGA associated with TSC. Patients with serial SEGA growth from pre-baseline to baseline scans were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive 4.5 mg/m(2)/day everolimus (target blood trough: 5-15 ng/mL; n = 78) or placebo (n = 39). Angiomyolipoma response rates were analysed in patients (n = 44) with target baseline angiomyolipoma lesions (≥1 angiomyolipoma; longest diameter ≥1.0 cm). An angiomyolipoma response rate, defined as the proportion of patients with confirmed angiomyolipoma response, was assessed by kidney CT or MRI screening at baseline, at 12, 24 and 48 weeks and annually.. Angiomyolipoma response rates were 53.3% (16/30) and 0% (0/14) for everolimus- and placebo-treated patients, respectively. Angiomyolipoma reductions ≥50% in the sum of volumes of all target lesions were seen only in everolimus-treated patients (56.5, 78.3 and 80.0%) compared with placebo-treated patients (0% at each time point) at Weeks 12, 24 and 48, respectively. Greater percentages of everolimus-treated patients had angiomyolipoma reductions ≥30% at these same time points (82.6, 100 and 100% versus 8.3, 18.2 and 16.7% for everolimus versus placebo, respectively).. Everolimus showed efficacy in reducing angiomyolipoma lesion volume in patients with SEGA associated with TSC.The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00789828; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00789828?term=EXIST-1&rank=1.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Astrocytoma; Brain; Child, Preschool; Double-Blind Method; Everolimus; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Male; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; Prospective Studies; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Tuberous Sclerosis

We have previously shown that serum VEGF-D is elevated at baseline, correlates with kidney angiomyolipoma size at baseline and 12 months, and decreases with sirolimus treatment in adults with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). To further investigate the utility of serum VEGF-D for longer term monitoring of TSC kidney disease, we present VEGF-D level results with 24 month follow-up.. To compare 24 month VEGF-D levels in two subgroups of sirolimus treated patients (OFF SIROLIMUS AFTER 12 MONTHS or ON SIROLIMUS AFTER 12 MONTHS). DESIGN AND INTERVENTION(S): Serum VEGF-D was measured in samples collected from subjects enrolled in a phase 2 multicenter trial evaluating sirolimus for the treatment of kidney angiomyolipomas associated with TSC or TSC/LAM. All participants were treated with sirolimus from 0-12 months. During months 12-24, sirolimus was discontinued in one subgroup. The other subgroup was treated with additional sirolimus.. Adult TSC participants were recruited from six clinical sites in the United States (comprehensive TSC clinics, 5; urology clinic, 1).. There were 28 TSC patients who completed all 24 months of the study and serum samples were available at 24 months from 18/28 patients.. We compared the percent change in VEGF-D levels (baseline to 24 months) in patients from the two treatment subgroups.. At 24 months, VEGF-D levels decreased by 67% compared with baseline (to 787 ± 426 pg/ml) in the ON SIROLIMUS AFTER 12 MONTHS group versus a 13% decrease (to 2971 ± 4014 pg/ml) in the OFF SIROLIMUS AFTER 12 MONTHS group (p=0.013, Mann-Whitney test). A similar trend was observed in kidney angiomyolipoma size but not in pulmonary function tests. Conclusions Serum VEGF-D may be useful for monitoring response to treatment with sirolimus and kidney angiomyolipoma size in patients with TSC, but confirmation is needed.. Clinical trials.gov NCT00126672.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Female; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Neoplasms; Male; Sirolimus; Time Factors; Tuberous Sclerosis; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D

Angiomyolipomas are slow-growing tumours associated with constitutive activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and are common in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis. The insidious growth of these tumours predisposes patients to serious complications including retroperitoneal haemorrhage and impaired renal function. Everolimus, a rapamycin derivative, inhibits the mTOR pathway by acting on the mTOR complex 1. We compared the angiomyolipoma response rate on everolimus with placebo in patients with tuberous sclerosis or sporadic lymphanioleiomyomatosis-associated angiomyolipomata.. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, patients aged 18 years or older with at least one angiomyolipoma 3 cm or larger in its longest diameter (defined by radiological assessment) and a definite diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis or sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis were randomly assigned, in a 2:1 fashion with the use of an interactive web response system, to receive oral everolimus 10 mg per day or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with confirmed angiomyolipoma response of at least a 50% reduction in total volume of target angiomyolipomas relative to baseline. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00790400.. 118 patients (median age 31·0 years; IQR 18·0–61·0) from 24 centres in 11 countries were randomly assigned to receive everolimus (n=79) or placebo (n=39). At the data cutoff, double-blind treatment was ongoing for 98 patients; two main reasons for discontination were disease progression (nine placebo patients) followed by adverse events (two everolimus patients; four placebo patients). The angiomyolipoma response rate was 42% (33 of 79 [95% CI 31–53%]) for everolimus and 0% (0 of 39 [0–9%]) for placebo (response rate difference 42% [24–58%]; one-sided Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test p<0·0001). The most common adverse events in the everolimus and placebo groups were stomatitis (48% [38 of 79], 8% [3 of 39], respectively), nasopharyngitis (24% [19 of 79] and 31% [12 of 39]), and acne-like skin lesions (22% [17 of 79] and 5% [2 of 39]).. Everolimus reduced angiomyolipoma volume with an acceptable safety profile, suggesting it could be a potential treatment for angiomyolipomas associated with tuberous sclerosis.. Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Double-Blind Method; Everolimus; Female; Humans; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Male; Prospective Studies; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a rare autosomal dominant systemic disease with an estimated prevalence of 1/6000. Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign tumour with high morbidity frequently present in TS. The aim of the study was to test the effect of rapamycin in reducing the volume of AML in TS.. Twenty four-month prospective open-label, single arm, unicentre Phases II andIII study. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the effect of treatment on the reduction of at least 50% AML volume from baseline at 24 months. The secondary endpoints were: average tumour reduction, surgical complications, skin lesions and drug safety.The study population comprised 17 patients, aged >10 years who were diagnosed with TS and had ≥1 renal AML >2 cm of diameter and had a serum creatinine < 2mg/dl and urine protein/creatinine ratio < 22.6 mg/mmol. The trial was conducted at Fundació Puigvert. Rapamycin was given to achieve stable plasma levels between 4 and 8 ng/ml. AML volume was estimated using orthogonal measurements by MRI at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months.. Ten out of 17 patients were success responders for the main outcome -58.8%, 95%CI: 32.9% to 81.6%-. After 6 months of therapy, the mean volume decrease was 55.18% (5.01 standard error (SE); p<0.001) and 66.38% (4.41 SE; p<0.001) at year 1. There was no significant decrease between year 1 and 2. According to RECIST criteria, all patients achieved a partial response at year 1 and all but two had already achieved this partial response after 6 months.The main analysis was performed according to the intention-to-treat principle analysis. Tumour volume was analyzed over time by means of mixed models for repeated measurement analysis. We used the baseline tumour volume as a covariate for the absolute change and percentage change from baseline data. The analysis was performed using SAS version 9.2 software, and the level of significance was established at 0.05 (two-sided).. This study show that mTOR inhibitors are a relatively safe, efficacious and less aggressive alternative than currently available options in the management of AML in TS.. EudraCT number: 2007-005978-30, ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT0121712.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Female; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Tuberous Sclerosis

Renal angiomyolipomas are a frequent manifestation of tuberous sclerosis and sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). These disorders are associated with mutations of TSC1 or TSC2 that lead to overactivation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), suggesting an opportunity for targeted therapy by using mTORC1 inhibitors. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of the mTORC1 inhibitor sirolimus for treatment of renal angiomyolipomas in patients with these disorders.. In this multicenter phase 2 nonrandomized open label trial, 16 patients with tuberous sclerosis or sporadic LAM and renal angiomyolipoma(s) were treated with oral sirolimus for up to 2 years. Steady-state blood levels were 3 to 10 ng/mL. The primary outcome was change in size of renal angiomyolipomas measured by MRI and assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. Secondary outcomes included safety, neurocognitive function, and pulmonary function.. The response rate, by RECIST criteria, was 50%. Summated angiomyolipoma diameters were reduced in all 16 patients and by 30% or more in eight (all from the per protocol group of 10). Forty-one of 48 angiomyolipomas were smaller at the last measurement than at baseline. Most shrinkage occurred during the first year of treatment. There was little change in pulmonary function. Recall memory improved in seven of eight patients with tuberous sclerosis. Adverse events were consistent with the known toxicities of sirolimus.. This study showed sustained regression of renal angiomyolipomas in patients with tuberous sclerosis or sporadic LAM receiving 2 years of sirolimus treatment. Possible effects on pulmonary function and neurocognition require further investigation.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Angiomyolipoma; Female; Humans; Lung; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Male; Middle Aged; Neuropsychological Tests; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Tuberous Sclerosis; Young Adult

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a systemic disease, with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance caused by mutations in two genes (TSC1 and TSC2) that cause tumours (angiomyolipomas [AML], angiofibromas, astrocytomas). Constant and inadequate proliferation occurring in TS may be blocked by mTOR inhibitors (mammalian target of rapamycin), such as rapamycin.. At present, our study includes 17 patients with TS. All had at least one AML greater than 2cm in diameter diagnosed by MRI. They received rapamycin during 12 months. Plasma levels remained stable between 4-8ng/dl. The AML size was monitored every six months by abdominal MRI.. At 12 months of inclusion, MRI indicated a decrease in the size of AML in all patients showing at least a 50% reduction in 82.4% (14/17, 95% CI [56.57%, 96.20%]). The mean percent reduction was 66.3% (95% CI [56.9%, 75.6%], P<.0001). The major side effects observed were: oral aphthous ulcers (5/17); hypertriglyceridemia (3/17); microcytosis and hypochromia (3/17); diarrhea (2/17); acne (1/17); acute pyelonephritis (1/17); and proteinuria (1/17).. These preliminary clinical data suggest that rapamycin can play a beneficial role in the treatment of TS. Our experience in 17 patients treated for 12 months demonstrates safety and efficacy in reducing AML volume.

Topics: Adolescent; Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis; Young Adult

Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) related tumors are characterized by constitutively activated mTOR signaling due to mutations in TSC1 or TSC2.. We completed a phase 2 multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the mTOR inhibitor, sirolimus, for the treatment of kidney angiomyolipomas.. 36 adults with TSC or TSC/LAM were enrolled and started on daily sirolimus. The overall response rate was 44.4% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 28 to 61); 16/36 had a partial response. The remainder had stable disease (47.2%, 17/36), or were unevaluable (8.3%, 3/36). The mean decrease in kidney tumor size (sum of the longest diameters [sum LD]) was 29.9% (95% CI, 22 to 37; n = 28 at week 52). Drug related grade 1-2 toxicities that occurred with a frequency of >20% included: stomatitis, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, bone marrow suppression (anemia, mild neutropenia, leucopenia), proteinuria, and joint pain. There were three drug related grade 3 events: lymphopenia, headache, weight gain. Kidney angiomyolipomas regrew when sirolimus was discontinued but responses tended to persist if treatment was continued after week 52. We observed regression of brain tumors (SEGAs) in 7/11 cases (26% mean decrease in diameter), regression of liver angiomyolipomas in 4/5 cases (32.1% mean decrease in longest diameter), subjective improvement in facial angiofibromas in 57%, and stable lung function in women with TSC/LAM (n = 15). A correlative biomarker study showed that serum VEGF-D levels are elevated at baseline, decrease with sirolimus treatment, and correlate with kidney angiomyolipoma size (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.54, p = 0.001, at baseline).. Sirolimus treatment for 52 weeks induced regression of kidney angiomyolipomas, SEGAs, and liver angiomyolipomas. Serum VEGF-D may be a useful biomarker for monitoring kidney angiomyolipoma size. Future studies are needed to determine benefits and risks of longer duration treatment in adults and children with TSC.. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00126672.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Angiomyolipoma; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D; Young Adult

Angiomyolipomas in patients with the tuberous sclerosis complex or sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis are associated with mutations in tuberous sclerosis genes resulting in constitutive activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The drug sirolimus suppresses mTOR signaling.. We conducted a 24-month, nonrandomized, open-label trial to determine whether sirolimus reduces the angiomyolipoma volume in patients with the tuberous sclerosis complex or sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Sirolimus was administered for the first 12 months only. Serial magnetic resonance imaging of angiomyolipomas and brain lesions, computed tomography of lung cysts, and pulmonary-function tests were performed.. Of the 25 patients enrolled, 20 completed the 12-month evaluation, and 18 completed the 24-month evaluation. The mean (+/-SD) angiomyolipoma volume at 12 months was 53.2+/-26.6% of the baseline value (P<0.001) and at 24 months was 85.9+/-28.5% of the baseline value (P=0.005). At 24 months, five patients had a persistent reduction in the angiomyolipoma volume of 30% or more. During the period of sirolimus therapy, among patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis, the mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) increased by 118+/-330 ml (P=0.06), the forced vital capacity (FVC) increased by 390+/-570 ml (P<0.001), and the residual volume decreased by 439+/-493 ml (P=0.02), as compared with baseline values. One year after sirolimus was discontinued, the FEV1 was 62+/-411 ml above the baseline value, the FVC was 346+/-712 ml above the baseline value, and the residual volume was 333+/-570 ml below the baseline value; cerebral lesions were unchanged. Five patients had six serious adverse events while receiving sirolimus, including diarrhea, pyelonephritis, stomatitis, and respiratory infections.. Angiomyolipomas regressed somewhat during sirolimus therapy but tended to increase in volume after the therapy was stopped. Some patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis had improvement in spirometric measurements and gas trapping that persisted after treatment. Suppression of mTOR signaling might constitute an ameliorative treatment in patients with the tuberous sclerosis complex or sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00457808.)

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Brain; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Diseases; Liver Diseases; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Kinases; Radiography; Respiratory Function Tests; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis

Declining kidney function in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is often attributed to large lesions, including angiomyolipomas (AMLs) and cysts, that encroach on the normal parenchyma or that require intervention and loss of parenchyma from surgical debulking or embolization. Consequently, research on inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a protein complex implicated in TSC pathophysiology for its role in promoting cell growth and proliferation, has largely focused on their ability to reduce AML size. Clinical guidelines distilled from this research limit mTOR inhibition as a first-line treatment to patients with large AMLs. However, chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs in patients without large AMLs or a history of renal intervention. Alternate mechanisms postulated for CKD in TSC may suggest a role for mTOR inhibition in this population. In this report, we present 2 cases of a microscopic variant of TSC kidney disease causing declining kidney function, as well as anecdotal evidence for the use of mTOR inhibition to improve kidney function in the absence of large AMLs. We highlight the importance of annual kidney function assessment in patients with TSC and suggest a low threshold for kidney biopsy in patients with declining glomerular filtration rate without a clear etiology clinically or radiographically.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Neoplasms; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are macrocyclic lactone antibiotics derived from Streptomyces hygroscopicus that prevent T lymphocyte activation and B cell differentiation. Unlike calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) that inhibit cytokine production, mTOR inhibitors block the cytokine signal transduction to arrest cells in the G1 to S phase. This class of drugs is commonly used for post-transplantation and cancer management because of its immunosuppressive and antiproliferative properties, respectively. The potential uses of mTOR inhibitors are heavily explored because of their impact on cell growth and proliferation. However, mTOR inhibitors have a broad range of effects that can result in adverse reactions, but side effects can occur with other immunosuppressive agents as well. Thus, the performance of mTOR inhibitors is compared to the outcomes and adverse effects of other immunosuppressive drugs or the combination of other immunosuppressants and mTOR inhibitors. Because mTOR regulates many downstream pathways, mTOR inhibitors can affect these pathways to manage various diseases. Sirolimus (rapamycin) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat post-renal transplantation and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Everolimus is approved by the FDA to treat postmenopausal advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in women, progressive neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic origin (PNET), advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), renal angiomyolipoma (AML) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) associated with TSC as well as renal and liver transplantation. Temsirolimus is approved by the FDA to treat advanced RCC. Opportunities to use mTOR inhibitors as therapy for other transplantation, metabolic disease, and cancer management are being researched. mTOR inhibitors are often called proliferation signal inhibitors (PSIs) because of their effects on proliferation pathways.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Cytokines; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Neoplasms; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis

Facial angiofibroma is the most predominant cutaneous manifestation of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder impacting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Facial angiofibroma can bleed spontaneously, impair eyesight, and cause aesthetic disfiguration causing psychological and social stress. To date, there is little or no evidence on the demographics, and other TSC features associated with facial angiofibroma or the use of mTOR inhibitor for the management of facial angiofibroma. This is a retrospective study of TSC Alliance's Natural History Database aimed to characterize facial angiofibroma and to evaluate features associated with a higher risk of facial angiofibroma or the use of topical mTOR inhibitors for the management of facial angiofibroma. Data in the NHD was obtained from 18 clinical sites in the US since 2006.. Of the 2240 patients, 2088 patients were enrolled in the US and data from 2057 patients were included in this analysis. The mean (median) age of overall TSC patients was 22.4 (19.0) years. A total of 69 patients were ≤ 5 years of age. Facial angiofibroma was noted in 1329 (64.6%) patients with TSC. Patients with facial angiofibroma were older on average (Mean: 25.9 [median, 23.0] vs. 16.0 [12.4 years] years, p < 0.0001). In patients with vs. without facial angiofibroma, TSC2 mutation (38.9% vs. 34.8%) was more common than TSC1 mutation (12.3% vs. 18.1%), and the incidence rate of most of the other TSC-related manifestations was significantly higher in patients with facial angiofibroma. Majority of patients had focal seizures (72.8% vs. 60.7%), followed by angiomyolipoma (63.7% vs. 21.8%) and renal cysts (59.4% vs. 33.5%). The age groups, 11-17 (odds ratio [OR], 2.53) and 18-45 years (5.98), TSC2 mutation (1.31), focal seizures (1.50), ADHD (1.47) angiomyolipoma (2.79), and renal cysts (2.63) were significantly associated with a higher risk of facial angiofibroma based on multivariate logistic regression. Abrasive or laser therapy was used by 17.1% and 2.6% patients, respectively. Topical mTOR inhibitor use was noted for 329 (24.8%) patients with facial angiofibroma. Overall systemic mTOR inhibitor use was observed in 399 (30.0%) patients for management of one or more TSC manifestations. Use of systemic mTOR inhibitor for facial angiofibroma was noted for 163 (12.3%) patients, among whom only 9 (0.7%) patients used exclusively for the management of facial angiofibroma. Of the patients with facial angiofibroma, 44.6% did not receive any treatment. Significantly higher use of topical mTOR inhibitor was associated with the 11-17 years age group (OR, 1.67), anxiety (1.57), angiomyolipoma (1.51), and renal cysts (1.33).. The presence of TSC2 mutations and most other TSC-related manifestations was significantly higher in patients with facial angiofibroma. About one-fourth of patients with facial angiofibroma used a topical mTOR inhibitor and use of systemic mTOR inhibitor for the management of facial angiofibroma or for the other manifestations was noted for 30.0%. About 44.6% of patients did not receive any treatment for the management of facial angiofibroma.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Diseases, Cystic; Kidney Neoplasms; MTOR Inhibitors; Retrospective Studies; Seizures; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis; United States; Young Adult

Renal angiomyolipomas hemorrhage is associated with their size and vascular constitution. The effects of sirolimus on different components of angiomyolipomas was analyzed in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis and multiple sporadic angiomyolipomas. Thirty angiomyolipomas from 14 patients treated with sirolimus were retrospectively evaluated. A Hounsfield-unit threshold was used to classify angiomyolipomas in fat-rich, fat-poor and intermediate-fat tumors, and to categorize tumor compartments in fat rich, fat poor, intermediate fat and highly vascularized. Diameter variations were measured to assess the effects on aneurysmatic/ectatic vascular formations. Volume reduction following treatment with sirolimus was higher in fat-poor than fat-rich angiomyolipomas. Tumor reduction was mainly determined by decrease of the fat-poor and highly-vascularized compartments while the volume of the fat-rich compartment increased. Broad liposubstitution was observed in some tumors. A median reduction of 100% (75 to 100) in the diameter of aneurysmatic/ectatic vascular structures was observed. Our study showed that sirolimus reduces the size of angiomyolipomas by decreasing primarily their highly-vascularized and fat-poor compartments. This effect is associated with a remarkable reduction of tumoral aneurysms/ectatic vessels, revealing the likely mechanism responsible for the risk-decreasing effect of mTOR inhibitors on angiomyolipoma bleeding. These findings support the role of mTOR in the development of angiomyolipoma blood vessels.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Lipoma; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis; Young Adult

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of everolimus and sirolimus in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex-associated angiomyolipomas (TSC-AML).. We performed a multi-institutional retrospective study of TSC-AML patients treated with oral everolimus 10 mg or sirolimus 2 mg per day for at least 3 months. Angiomyolipoma volume was estimated using orthogonal measurements by MRI or CT. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. All analyses were performed using SPSS 19.0 software.. Response rates were high in both groups. With the prolonged medication durations, the therapeutic efficacy of both agents became more significant. The TSC-AML volume reduction after 6 and 12 months was more pronounced in patients with everolimus than those with sirolimus. More than half of the patients treated with everolimus had ≥ 50% reduction, and approximately 80% of them had ≥ 30% reduction, which was higher than that in patients treated with sirolimus. Regarding safety, there was no significant difference in the incidence of AEs between the two groups.. Both everolimus and sirolimus are excellent therapeutic options for TSC-AML. However, everolimus has a better therapeutic efficacy than sirolimus, particularly in reducing TSC-AML volume. Everolimus is therefore recommended as the first choice of therapy for TSC-AML.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; China; Everolimus; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Brain; Brain Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Neoplasms; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Multiple Pulmonary Nodules; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; Rhabdomyoma; Sirolimus; Skin Neoplasms; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Young Adult

A 22-year-old manpresented as a refractory nephrotic syndrome with edema and proteinuria for more than one year. Physical examination revealed facial steatadenomas and periungual fibromas. Images were characterized by hamartomatous lesions in multiple organs, including the central nervous system, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Gene tests verified TSC2 mutation and confirmed the diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex. The APOL1 mutation was positive in this patient, which indicated the possibility of steroid-resistant focal segmental glomerulonephritis. Thus, he was treated with sirolimus. Renal angiomyolipoma was shrunk, but proteinuria was not relieved (24h unine protein>10 g) and eventually led into renal insufficiency. Nondialytic therapy was initiated consequently. Losartan 50 mg/d was used to control proteinuria under the close watch of serum creatinine. A recent phone call on October 2018 failed to reachthe patient. Therefore, the follow-up information was not updated.. 患者男性，22岁。因水肿、蛋白尿1年余就诊，考虑为难治性肾病综合征。体检发现患者面部皮脂腺瘤、甲周纤维瘤，影像学显示中枢神经系统、心脏、肺、肝脏、肾脏等多系统受累，基因检查为TSC2基因突变，诊断结节性硬化症。基因检测同时发现APOL1基因突变，提示患者同时存在糖皮质激素抵抗型的局灶节段性肾小球硬化症的可能性。使用西罗莫司治疗，治疗初期肾脏血管平滑肌瘤体积缩小，但尿蛋白始终未缓解（24 h尿蛋白>10 g），最终仍发展为肾功能不全，开始非透析治疗，包括监测血压、血糖和血脂，餐中嚼服碳酸钙500 mg、3次/d，瑞舒伐他汀20 mg/d，补充维生素B(1)（10 mg/d）和叶酸（10 mg/d），使用氯沙坦50 mg/d控制尿蛋白并监测血肌酐变化。2018年10月电话随访未联系到患者，未能获得治疗近况。.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Apolipoprotein L1; Creatinine; Female; Glomerulonephritis, IGA; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Kidney Neoplasms; Losartan; Male; Mutation; Nephrotic Syndrome; Proteinuria; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Young Adult

To investigate factors influencing the volume response of everolimus and sirolimus in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) associated-angiomyolipomas (AML).. A retrospective analysis of 30 cases of TSC-AML treated by mTOR inhibitors (everolimus 18 cases, and sirolimus 12 cases) between April 2014 and November 2017 at our center was carried out. Epidemiological data, therapeutic response and influence factors were reviewed and analyzed. Age, sex, associated with SEGA and/or LAM or not, plasma rapamycin concentration, AML volume at baseline, and mean CT value of AML in the maximum cross-section at baseline were analyzed as potential influencing factors.. Eighteen patients with 32 lesions in everolimus group and 12 patients with 15 lesions in sirolimus group were included. There was no statistically significant difference of baseline characteristics except for involved side (P = 0.008) between two groups. The mean volume of AML was 1000 ± 1276 cm. Everolimus at 10 mg daily might be more effective than sirolimus at 2 mg daily in treatment of patients with TSC-AML. AML volume and mean CT value at baseline were factors influencing the short-term volume response of everolimus or sirolimus for TSC-AML.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Everolimus; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tumor Burden; Young Adult

Renal epithelioid angiomyolipomas (EAML) are rare tumors with aggressive behavior. EAML can be sporadic or develop within the tuberous sclerosis complex syndrome, where mutations of TSC1 or TSC2 genes (critical negative regulators of mTOR Complex 1) result in an increased activation of mTOR pathway. Optimal EAML treatment, including mTOR inhibitors, remains undetermined.. Here we present the case of a young adult with a renal EAML that after radical nephrectomy developed metastases, first in liver and then in lumbar vertebrae. After complete surgical resection of these lesions, liver recurrence was detected, this time with incomplete surgical resection. After finding a new liver lesion, systemic treatment with sirolimus started. The patient exhibited a complete and durable response to this drug, being disease free at the time of publication, after 36 months of treatment. Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) of MTOR, TSC1 and TSC2 genes in the primary tumor, metastasis and blood of the patient, revealed one inactivating TSC2 mutation (c.2739dup; p.K914*) in the tumor cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed decreased TSC2 protein content and increased phospho-S6 in the tumor cells, demonstrating mTOR pathway activation.. NGS on an EAML patient with an extraordinary response to sirolimus uncovered TSC2 inactivation as the mechanism for the response. This study supports NGS as a useful tool to identify patients sensitive to mTOR inhibitors and supports the treatment of malignant EAML with these drugs.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Hepatectomy; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Mutation; Nephrectomy; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; Spinal Neoplasms; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Treatment Outcome; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated renal angiomyolipoma (AML) have a high lifetime risk of acute bleeding. MTOR-inhibitors are a promising novel treatment for TSC-AML, however adequate response to therapy can be difficult to assess. Early changes in MRI signal may serve as a novel early indicator for a satisfactory response to mTOR-inhibitor therapy of AML.. Thirty-eight patients with the definite diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis receiving everolimus therapy and n = 19 patients without specific therapy were included. 1.5 Tesla MRI was performed including sequences with a selective fat suppression. Patients were investigated prior to the initiation of therapy (baseline) and after <3 months (n = 21 patients), 3 to 6 months (n = 32) and 18 to 24 months (n = 28). Signal and size changes of renal AMLs were assessed at all different timepoints. Signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) and size of angiomyolipomas were evaluated.. Signal changes in 273 AMLs were evaluated. A significant and strong decrease of the CNR of AMLs following the initiation of therapy was measured in the fat-suppressed MR sequence at all time points, compared to the baseline: From 7.41±6.98 to 3.84±6.25 (p ≤ 0.05p = 0.002), 3.36±6.93 (p<0.0001), and 2.50±6.68 (p<0.0001) after less than 3 months, 3-6 months or 18-24 months of everolimus treatment, respectively. Also, a significant, however less pronounced, reduction of angiomyolipoma size in the different groups was measured (from baseline 2022.2±2657.7 mm2 to 1854.4±1670.9 mm2 (p = 0.009), 1875.5±3190.1 mm2 (p<0.001), and 1365.8 ± 1628.8 mm2 (p<0.0001) after less than 3 months, 3-6 months or 18-24 months of everolimus treatment, respectively). No significant changes in CNR (p>0.05) and size (p>0.05) were measured in the control group.. mTOR inhibitor therapy in TSC patients results in an early and pronounced fatty transformation of AMLs on MRI. Fatty transformation could represent a novel early indicator of response to therapy in this patient collective.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Signal-To-Noise Ratio; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis

To use the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) Natural History Database to describe monitoring and treatment patterns among patients with TSC-related angiomyolipomas (AMLs).. This study used the TSC Natural History Database, which contains demographics, affected areas, diagnosis, and treatments for more than 1300 patients with TSC enrolled in 16 participating clinics during 2006-2013. Patient characteristics, AML monitoring tests, and AML treatments were assessed.. Among the 621 patients with TSC-related AMLs, 54% were female; 77% were Caucasian. Median age at TSC diagnosis was <1 year, whereas median age at AML diagnosis was 9.8 years. Most patients (84%) had at least 1 monitoring test following AML diagnosis. The most commonly used tests were magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 65% of patients), ultrasound (62%), and computed tomography (41%). Between 2000 and 2012, MRI made up an increasingly large proportion of the total number of monitoring tests. Once diagnosed, 155 (25%) of patients received treatment for AML. The median time from diagnosis to first treatment was 3.8 years. The most common treatments were embolization (10%), everolimus (9%), sirolimus (6%), and nephrectomy (6%). The rate of nephrectomies declined over time, with none conducted during 2011 and 2012. No subsequent surgeries were reported among the 71 patients who received mTOR inhibitor as first-line therapy.. The use of MRIs increased between 2000 and 2012 among patients with TSC-AML. The majority of these patients did not receive treatment for AML. Use of nephrectomy decreased over the study period and was particularly rare in patients who received an mTOR inhibitor.

Topics: Adolescent; Angiomyolipoma; Databases, Factual; Embolization, Therapeutic; Everolimus; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Nephrectomy; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Sirolimus; Software; Treatment Outcome; Tuberous Sclerosis; Young Adult

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a tumor closely related to lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Both entities are characterized by the proliferation of smooth muscle actin and melanocytic glycoprotein 100 (recognized by antibody HMB-45)-positive spindle-shaped and epithelioid cells. AML and LAM are etiologically linked to mutations in the tsc2 and tsc1 genes in the case of LAM. These genes encode the proteins tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-1 and TSC2, which are directly involved in suppressing the mechanistic target of rapamycin cell growth signaling pathway. Although significant progress has been made in characterizing and pharmacologically slowing the progression of AML and LAM with rapamycin, our understanding of their pathogenesis lacks an identified cell of origin. We used an AML-derived cell line to determine whether TSC2 restitution brings about the cell type from which AML arises. We found that AML cells express lymphatic endothelial cell markers consistent with lymphatic endothelial cell precursors in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, on TSC2 correction, AML cells mature into adult lymphatic endothelial cells and have functional attributes characteristic of this cell lineage, suggesting a lymphatic endothelial cell of origin for AML. These effects are dependent on TSC2-mediated mechanistic target of rapamycin inactivation. Finally, we demonstrate the in vitro effectiveness of norcantharidin, a lymphangiogenesis inhibitor, as a potential co-adjuvant therapy in the treatment of AML.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Blotting, Western; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Lineage; Cell Proliferation; Endothelium, Lymphatic; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and angiomyolipoma are two different, but related rare diseases. To the best of our knowledge, pulmonary LAM and pulmonary angiomyolipoma have not previously been observed in the same patient.. A 38-year-old woman presented with a dry cough and left flank pain. She had a right nephrectomy for renal angiomyolipoma 17 years ago. A magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated a round mass in the left kidney. A chest computed tomography scan demonstrated scattered small thin-walled cysts and multifocal round nodules in both lungs. A lung biopsy via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery revealed that the cysts and nodules were manifestations of LAM and angiomyolipomas, respectively. After sirolimus therapy, the renal angiomyolipoma and metastasized pulmonary angiomyolipomas shrank, but pulmonary cysts were unchanged.. LAM and angiomyolipoma are significantly associated, and may coexist in the lungs in rare cases. Sirolimus is effective for both renal angiomyolipoma and metastasized pulmonary angiomyolipomas.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Sirolimus; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

The aim of this study was to evaluate the most common adverse events (AEs) linked to everolimus therapy, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, in children and adolescents with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) hospitalized in one medical center. The study group included 18 patients with a diagnosis of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma or renal angiomyolipoma related to TSC. The median duration of therapy was 15 months. All clinical symptoms and laboratory abnormalities including complete blood count, fasting lipid profile, glucose level, and liver and kidney function tests were analyzed as potential AEs. The most common AEs of everolimus therapy were laboratory abnormalities (100% of patients) and infection complications (83 episodes in 15 patients). Infectious episodes of pharyngitis (67%), diarrhea (44%), stomatitis (39%), and bronchitis (39%) were the most common infections. They were mostly mild or moderate in severity (grade 1-2). In two cases, life-threatening conditions related to mTOR inhibitor treatment were encountered. The first was classified as grade 4 pleuropneumonia and Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis, whereas the second was classified as death related to AE (grade 5) Escherichia coli sepsis. The most common laboratory abnormalities were hypercholesterolemia (13/18 patients - 72%) and hypertriglyceridemia (12/18 patients - 66%). Neutropenia (12/18 patents - 66%) and anemia (8/18 patients - 44%) were the most common hematologic toxicities. Everolimus treatment in TSC patients may lead to life-threatening outcomes, including sepsis and death. Long-lasting effects of everolimus treatment in the context of high incidences of different laboratory abnormalities found in TSC patients are another subject that should be researched further.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Everolimus; Glioma, Subependymal; Humans; Infant; Male; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis; Young Adult

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign mesenchymal tumor composed of blood vessels, smooth muscle, and mature adipose tissue. AMLs in the kidney allografts are rare. We report a case of AML that was incidentally found 1 year after transplantation. Abdominal computed tomography showed a 4-cm renal tumor with contrast enhancement and an early washout pattern, resembling a renal cell carcinoma. Tumor biopsy proved a lipid-poor AML. Tumor diameter decreased to 2.4 cm after 6 months of treatment with sirolimus. Sirolimus not only reduces tumor size, but also benefits a transplant patient who needs immunosuppression.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Biopsy; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney; Kidney Neoplasms; Kidney Transplantation; Nephrectomy; Renal Insufficiency; Sirolimus; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Treatment Outcome

Remarkable basic and translational advances have elucidated the role of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling network in the pathogenesis of renal disease. Many of these advances originated from studies of the genetic disease tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), leading to one of the clearest therapeutic opportunities to target mTOR with rapamycin and its analogs ("rapalogs"), which effectively inhibit mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) by an allosteric mechanism. Clinical trials based on these discoveries have provided strongly positive therapeutic results in TSC (Bissler JJ, McCormack FX, Young LR, Elwing JM, Chuck G, Leonard JM, Schmithorst VJ, Laor T, Brody AS, Bean J, Salisbury S, Franz DN. N Engl J Med 358: 140-151, 2008; Krueger DA, Care MM, Holland K, Agricola K, Tudor C, Mangeshkar P, Wilson KA, Byars A, Sahmoud T, Franz DN. N Engl J Med 363: 1801-1811, 2010; McCormack FX, Inoue Y, Moss J, Singer LG, Strange C, Nakata K, Barker AF, Chapman JT, Brantly ML, Stocks JM, Brown KK, Lynch JP 3rd, Goldberg HJ, Young LR, Kinder BW, Downey GP, Sullivan EJ, Colby TV, McKay RT, Cohen MM, Korbee L, Taveira-DaSilva AM, Lee HS, Krischer JP, Trapnell BC. N Engl J Med 364: 1595-1606, 2011). In June 2013, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases convened a small panel of physicians and scientists working in the field to identify key unknowns and define possible "next steps" in advancing understanding of TSC- and mTOR-dependent renal phenotypes. TSC-associated renal disease, which affects >85% of TSC patients, and was a major topic of discussion, focused on angiomyolipomas and epithelial cysts. The third major topic was the role of mTOR and mTOR inhibition in the pathogenesis and therapy of chronic renal disease. Renal cell carcinoma, while recognized as a manifestation of TSC that occurs in a small fraction of patients, was not the primary focus of this workshop and thus was omitted from panel discussions and from this report.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Biomedical Research; Humans; Kidney Diseases, Cystic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Translational Research, Biomedical; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Female; Humans; Male; Sirolimus

Angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are associated with cell fibrosis in kidney of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex patients. The mechanism by which the fibrotic proteins accumulated in AMLs has not been explored. In the present study, we investigated the role of Akt/tuberin/mTOR pathway in the regulation cell fibrosis proteins. AML cells that expressed low levels of tuberin showed less expression of N-cadherin and higher of vimentin proteins compared to HEK293 cells. AML cells infected with Ad-tuberin showed a significant decrease in vimentin and an increase in N-cadherin protein expression. In addition, cells treated with rapamycin showed a significant increase in p-Akt and a decrease in p-p70S6K that was associated with a decrease expression of vimentin and a slight increase expression in N-cadherin. On the other hand, cells treated with Akt inhibitor revealed a significant decrease in p-Akt and p-p70S6K that was associated with a significant decrease in vimentin and an increase in N-cadherin expression. In addition, cells transfected with DN-Akt or DN-S6K show significant increase expression in N-cadherin and a decrease in vimentin. Moreover, cells transfected with siRNA against rictor or siRNA against raptor resulted in a decrease in vimentin and an increase N-cadherin expression. Kidney tumors from TSC patients showed significant decrease in N-cadherin and significant increased in vimentin protein expression compared to control kidney tissues. These data comprise the first report to provide the role of Akt/tuberin/mTORC1/2 in the regulation of N-cadherin and vimentin that are involved in the progression of fibrosis in kidney tumor of TSC patients.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antigens, CD; Cadherins; Down-Regulation; HEK293 Cells; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Up-Regulation; Vimentin

Renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are frequent in tuberous sclerosis and are responsible for a significant proportion of the morbidity in adulthood, mainly from bleeding complications, which are correlated to the size of the AMLs. We describe the case of a 19-year-old female with multiple bilateral renal angiomyolipomas.. The renal AMLs measured up to 6 cm in size. She was first treated with a low dose of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor sirolimus (up to 3 mg/day over a 12-month period) and following significant AML size reduction, percutaneous cryoablation was performed. No side-effects of either treatment were reported. At 12 months post-cryoablation, no recurrence of the AML was noted.. This is the first report of this treatment strategy and the case study reveals that combining a low dose of an mTOR inhibitor with percutaneous cryoablation to treat small tumors mitigates the side-effects while providing a good clinical outcome. This therapeutic approach is a novel tool for the clinician involved in the management of patients with tuberous sclerosis.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Cryosurgery; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Treatment Outcome; Tuberous Sclerosis; Young Adult

Tuberous sclerosis syndrome (TSC) is an autosomal dominant tumor suppressor gene syndrome affecting multiple organs, including renal angiomyolipomas and pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). LAM is a female-predominant interstitial lung disease characterized by the progressive cyst formation and respiratory failure, which is also seen in sporadic patients without TSC. Mutations in TSC1 or TSC2 cause TSC, result in hyperactivation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and are also seen in LAM cells in sporadic LAM. We recently reported that prostaglandin biosynthesis and cyclooxygenase-2 were deregulated in TSC and LAM. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of plasma membrane phospholipids into prostaglandins. In this study, we identified upregulation of adipocyte AdPLA2 (PLA2G16) in LAM nodule cells using publicly available expression data. We showed that the levels of AdPLA2 transcript and protein were higher in LAM lungs compared with control lungs. We then showed that TSC2 negatively regulates the expression of AdPLA2, and loss of TSC2 is associated with elevated production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) in cell culture models. Mouse model studies also showed increased expression of AdPLA2 in xenograft tumors, estrogen-induced lung metastatic lesions of Tsc2 null leiomyoma-derived cells, and spontaneous renal cystadenomas from Tsc2+/- mice. Importantly, rapamycin treatment did not affect the expression of AdPLA2 and the production of PGE2 by TSC2-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblast (Tsc2-/-MEFs), rat uterine leiomyoma-derived ELT3 cells, and LAM patient-associated renal angiomyolipoma-derived "mesenchymal" cells. Furthermore, methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphate (MAFP), a potent irreversible PLA2 inhibitor, selectively suppressed the growth and induced apoptosis of TSC2-deficient LAM patient-derived cells relative to TSC2-addback cells. Our findings suggest that AdPLA2 plays an important role in promoting tumorigenesis and disease progression by modulating the production of prostaglandins and may serve as a potential therapeutic target in TSC and LAM.

Topics: Adipocytes; Angiomyolipoma; Animals; Cell Line; Cluster Analysis; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Activation; Female; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation; Gene Knockout Techniques; Humans; Lung; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Mice; Phospholipases A2; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Up-Regulation

Mutations in tuberous sclerosis (TSC) genes cause the genetic disorder TSC, as well as other neoplasms, including lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and angiomyolipomas (AMLs). AMLs are benign renal tumors occur both in sporadic LAM and in TSC. As they carry the same mutations, AML cell lines serve as a model for TSC and LAM. Rheb/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway is chronically activated in TSC-deficient cells, and this activation can be diminished using the appropriate inhibitors. Rapamycin (sirolimus) is a known specific inhibitor of mTORC1, whereas S-trans,trans-farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS; salirasib) has been shown to inhibit Rheb. To examine the effect of the Rheb/mTOR inhibition pathway, we used human TSC2-deficient AML cells, derived from a LAM patient. FTS indeed inhibited Rheb in these cells and attenuated their proliferation. After comparative treatments with FTS or rapamycin or by re-expression of TSC2, we carried out a gene array analysis. This yielded a substantial number of commonly altered genes, many of which we identified as downstream targets of the interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) transcription factor, a central activator of the IFN type 1 immune response. Furthermore, nuclear localization of IRF7 was impaired by each of the three treatments. Interestingly, the phenomena seen on FTS or rapamycin treatment were selective for TSC2-deficient cells. Moreover, knockdown of IRF7 by siRNA mimicked the decrease in number of the abovementioned genes and also inhibited AML cell proliferation. Altogether, these findings support FTS as a potential treatment for TSC and its related pathologies and IRF7 as a novel target for treatment.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Cell Proliferation; Farnesol; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Interferon Regulatory Factor-7; Kidney; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Microarray Analysis; Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins; Neuropeptides; Ras Homolog Enriched in Brain Protein; RNA, Small Interfering; Salicylates; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Female; Humans; Male; Sirolimus

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cyclophosphamide; Doxorubicin; Everolimus; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Neoplasms; Lymphoma, T-Cell; Male; Middle Aged; Positron-Emission Tomography; Prednisone; Radiography; Sirolimus; Vincristine

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Everolimus; Female; Humans; Male; Sirolimus

Epithelioid angiomyolipoma has malignant potential; however, no effective therapy has been established for advanced cases. A 50-year-old woman with a history of right nephrectomy for epithelioid angiomyolipoma was referred to our institution. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple tumors in her lung, liver and pelvic cavity. The liver and pelvic tumor specimens obtained by needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid angiomyolipoma recurrence. The patient was treated with everolimus (10 mg/day). Three months later, pulmonary lesions disappeared; liver and pelvic tumors significantly shrank in size, but the pelvic tumor gradually enlarged again. We carried out surgical resection of the residual liver and pelvic cavity tumors. Although the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor seems to be effective for treating epithelioid angiomyolipoma, its long-term effects remain unknown. Thus, aggressive administration of a multidisciplinary treatment including molecular target therapy and surgical resection is required to improve the prognosis of epithelioid angiomyolipoma.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Everolimus; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Everolimus; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Nephrectomy; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of immature smooth muscle cells and cystic lung destruction, which determines the prognosis of the disease. The kidney angiomyolipomas are usually very common in this disease and are usually asymptomatic unless complications arise. In the absence of a curative treatment, recent publications show promising results in molecular therapy to prevent functional decline and to control the size of the angiomyolipomas. These therapies include mTOR complex inhibitors, especially sirolimus. We report a case of a patient diagnosed with LAM who underwent lung transplantation with reduction of renal angiomyolipoma size after treatment with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Everolimus; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Lung Transplantation; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Sirolimus; Tumor Burden

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), an inherited tumor predisposition syndrome associated with mutations in TSC1 or TSC2, affects ∼1 in 6,000 individuals. Eighty percent of TSC patients develop renal angiomyolipomas, and renal involvement is a major contributor to patient morbidity and mortality. Recent work has shown that mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibition caused angiomyolipoma shrinkage but that this treatment may cause cytostatic not a cytotoxic effect. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can develop in TSC-associated cells due to mTORC1-driven protein translation. We hypothesized that renal angiomyolipoma cells experience ER stress that can be leveraged to result in targeted cytotoxicity. We used immortalized human angiomyolipoma cells stably transfected with empty vector or TSC2 (encoding tuberin). Using cell number quantification and cell death assays, we found that mTORC1 inhibition with RAD001 suppressed angiomyolipoma cell proliferation in a cytostatic manner. Angiomyolipoma cells exhibited enhanced sensitivity to proteasome inhibitor-induced ER stress compared with TSC2-rescued cells. After proteasome inhibition with MG-132, Western blot analyses showed greater induction of C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) and more poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3 cleavage, supporting ER stress-induced apoptosis. Live cell numbers also were decreased and cell death increased by MG-132 in angiomyolipoma cells compared with TSC2 rescued. Intriguingly, while pretreatment of angiomyolipoma cells with RAD001 attenuated CHOP and BiP induction, apoptotic markers cleaved PARP and caspase-3 and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α phosphorylation were increased, along with evidence of increased autophagy. These results suggest that human angiomyolipoma cells are uniquely susceptible to agents that exacerbate ER stress and that additional synergy may be achievable with targeted combination therapy.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Caspase 3; Cell Line, Tumor; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2; Everolimus; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Neoplasms; Leupeptins; Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1; Multiprotein Complexes; Phosphorylation; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases; Proteasome Inhibitors; Proteins; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Transcription Factor CHOP; Transfection; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Topics: Aged; Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Biopsy; Combined Modality Therapy; Cyclophosphamide; Doxorubicin; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Neoplasms; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Nephrectomy; Prednisone; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Sirolimus; Splenectomy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vincristine

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is an extremely rare neoplasm that appears to arise most commonly at visceral (especially gastrointestinal and uterine), retroperitoneal, and abdominopelvic sites. Malignant PEComas exist but are very rare. These tumors represent a family of mesenchymal neoplasms, mechanistically linked through activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. Metastatic PEComa is a rare form of sarcoma for which no effective therapy has been described previously and that has a uniformly fatal outcome. Although there is no known effective therapy, the molecular pathophysiology of aberrant mTOR signaling provides a scientific rationale to target this pathway therapeutically. The difficulty in determining optimal therapy, owing to the sparse literature available, led us to present this case. On this basis, we report a case of metastatic retroperitoneal PEComa treated with an oral mTOR inhibitor, with everolimus achieving significant clinical response.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Everolimus; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Radiography, Abdominal; Retroperitoneal Neoplasms; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

Renal angiomyolipoma in patients with tuberous sclerosis can cause life-threatening bleeding. Embolization or resection is recommended, but either intervention may result in substantial loss of renal function. Recently, regression of angiomyolipoma size has also been achieved with mTOR inhibitor therapy, but recurrent lesion growth after treatment cessation has to be expected. This is the first report on a multimodal therapeutic approach facilitating a nephron-sparing, definitive resection.. Three patients with renal angiomyolipoma not amenable to nephron-sparing surgery were treated with sirolimus aiming trough levels of 4-8 ng/ml. Treatment was well tolerated.. mTOR inhibitor treatment resulted in a regression of angiomyolipoma volume by 38-95 %. Thereafter, nephron-sparing angiomyolipoma resection conserved normal renal function.. Neoadjuvant use of mTOR inhibitor pretreatment may represent a novel approach facilitating nephron-sparing resection.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Child; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Male; Nephrectomy; Nephrons; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis; Young Adult

Malignant epithelioid variant of angiomyolipoma has aggressive characteristics, against which conventional cytotoxic agents have been reported to be disappointingly inactive, and the prognosis of unresectable or recurrent disease is dismal poor. A 52-year-old man with a history of left nephrectomy for epithelioid angiomyolipoma was referred to our institution. The computed tomographic scan showed a soft tissue dense mass around the Rex's recess and behind the spleen, and a large pelvic mass. Specimens obtained by percutaneous needle biopsy confirmed the recurrence of malignant epithelioid angiomyolipoma. Everolimus was initiated at 10 mg per day for recurrent disease. Computed tomographic scans 2 months later showed the tumors to be markedly decreased in size. The patient has continued with this treatment on an outpatient basis without signs of disease progression over 7 months, as of February 2011. In this case, treatment with everolimus resulted in dramatic tumor response for the malignant epithelioid variant of angiomyolipoma.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Epithelioid Cells; Everolimus; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Nephrectomy; Positron-Emission Tomography; Recurrence; Sirolimus; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a disorder that affects women and is characterized by cystic lung destruction, chylous effusions, lymphangioleiomyomas, and angiomyolipomas. It is caused by proliferation of abnormal smooth muscle-like cells. Sirolimus is a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor that has been reported to decrease the size of neoplastic growths in animal models of tuberous sclerosis complex and to reduce the size of angiomyolipomas and stabilize lung function in humans.. To assess whether sirolimus therapy is associated with improvement in lung function and a decrease in the size of chylous effusions and lymphangioleiomyomas in patients with LAM.. Observational study.. The National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.. 19 patients with rapidly progressing LAM or chylous effusions.. Treatment with sirolimus.. Lung function and the size of chylous effusions and lymphangioleiomyomas before and during sirolimus therapy.. Over a mean of 2.5 years before beginning sirolimus therapy, the mean (±SE) FEV1 decreased by 2.8%±0.8% predicted and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco) decreased by 4.8%±0.9% predicted per year. In contrast, over a mean of 2.6 years of sirolimus therapy, the mean (±SE) FEV1 increased by 1.8%±0.5% predicted and Dlco increased by 0.8%±0.5% predicted per year (P<0.001). After beginning sirolimus therapy, 12 patients with chylous effusions and 11 patients with lymphangioleiomyomas experienced almost complete resolution of these conditions. In 2 of the 12 patients, sirolimus therapy enabled discontinuation of pleural fluid drainage.. This was an observational study. The resolution of effusions may have affected improvements in lung function.. Sirolimus therapy is associated with improvement or stabilization of lung function and reduction in the size of chylous effusions and lymphangioleiomyomas in patients with LAM.. Intramural Research Program, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Cell Proliferation; Chyle; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Lymphangiomyoma; Middle Aged; Muscle, Smooth; Observation; Pleural Effusion; Respiratory Function Tests; Sirolimus; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who presented with abdominal and flank pain with two successive pregnancies and was diagnosed of giant bilateral renal AMLs and pulmonary LAM associated with TSC in the post-partum of her second pregnancy. This case illustrates that in women with TSC rapid growth from renal AMLs and development of LAM may occur with successive pregnancies. It also stresses the potential for preservation of renal function despite successive bilateral renal surgery of giant AMLs. Moreover, the treatment with a low-dose rapamycin may be an option for LAM treatment. Finally, a low-dose rapamycin may be considered as an adjuvant treatment together to kidney-sparing conservative surgery for renal AMLs.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic; Sirolimus; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Aged; Angiomyolipoma; Antineoplastic Agents; Embolization, Therapeutic; Epithelioid Cells; Erythrocyte Transfusion; Hepatectomy; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Nephrectomy; Sirolimus; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Tuberous sclerosis, caused by germline mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, is associated with aberrant upregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway, resulting in growth of tumours, including renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs). AMLs may cause hypertension, renal failure and spontaneous life-threatening haemorrhage. Previously, invasive interventions were required to treat AMLs. More recently, mTOR inhibitors have been used as molecularly targeted treatment to treat AMLs. We present here the case of a paediatric patient with TSC in whom sirolimus has been used successfully to halt growth of renal AMLs.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Child; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is caused by constitutively activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) resulting in non-malignant tumours of several organs including renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs). AMLs may originate renal failure, hypertension and spontaneous life-threatening bleeding. Recent reports suggest a possible beneficial role of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin for TSC. However, safety and efficiency of rapamycin in TSC patients as an anti-proliferative agent are still undefined. A 40-year-old man with sporadic TSC and a history of spontaneous bleeding from his left kidney AMLs received low-dose rapamycin for 12 months, and this was associated with a reduction in bilateral kidney AML volume, stabilization and even improvement of renal function. There was also a reduction of facial angiofibromas, improvement of blood pressure control and absence of AML bleeding over this time period. Brain lesion images remained stable, and no significant rapamycin-associated side effects were noted. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of reduction in renal AML volume together with preservation of renal function in a patient with TSC receiving low-dose rapamycin. These data suggest that it could be the result of the anti-angiogenic, anti-fibrotic and anti-proliferative effects of rapamycin.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal-dominant disease that is caused by mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene. Smooth muscle-like cells (ASMs) were isolated from an angiomyolipoma of a patient with TSC. These cells lacked tuberin, were labeled by both HMB45 and CD44v6 antibodies, and had constitutive S6 phosphorylation. The cells bear a germline TSC2 intron 8-exon 9 junction mutation, but DNA analysis and polymerase chain reaction amplification failed to demonstrate loss of heterozygosity. Testing for an epigenetic alteration, we detected methylation of the TSC2 promoter. Its biological relevance was confirmed by tuberin expression and a reduction in HMB45 labeling and S6 constitutive phosphorylation after exposure to the chromatin-remodeling agents, trichostatin A and 5-azacytidine. These cells were named TSC2(-/meth) ASMs. Their proliferation required epidermal growth factor in the medium as previously described for TSC2(-/-) ASMs. Blockade of epidermal growth factor with monoclonal antibodies caused the death of TSC2(-/meth) ASMs. In addition, rapamycin effectively blocked the proliferation of these cells. Our data show for the first time that methylation of the TSC2 promoter might cause a complete loss of tuberin in TSC2 cells, and that the pathogenesis of angiomyolipomas might also originate from epigenetic defects in smooth muscle cells. Additionally, the effect of chromatin-remodeling agents in these cells suggests a further avenue for the treatment of TSC as well as lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Antigens, Neoplasm; Apoptosis; Blotting, Western; Cell Proliferation; DNA Methylation; DNA Mutational Analysis; Germ-Line Mutation; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Nick-End Labeling; Kidney Neoplasms; Male; Melanoma-Specific Antigens; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Neoplasm Proteins; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Sirolimus; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

A 26-year-old woman with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) was hospitalized for the surgical excision of a giant abdominal tumor of right kidney origin. The pathological diagnosis of the tumor was conventional angiomyolipoma (AML). After 8 months, 2 liver tumors appeared and grew rapidly. The tumors were resected, and the pathological finding of these tumors was epithelioid AML. Thereafter, metastatic multiple lung tumors appeared, and there was local recurrence of the liver tumors. Sirolimus, an mTOR protein inhibitor, was used to treat epithelioid AML. However, the drug did not inhibit the rapid growth of the tumor at all. This finding suggests that sirolimus might not be effective against epithelioid AML, and in such cases, complete surgical resection should be the treatment of choice.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Fatal Outcome; Female; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Sirolimus

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lung Neoplasms; Lung Transplantation; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Postoperative Complications; Sirolimus

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Diseases; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Kinases; Respiratory Function Tests; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Diseases; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Kinases; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (PLAM) is an indication for lung transplantation (LTx). Angiomyolipomas occur in approximately 50% to 60% of patients with PLAM. We describe a patient presenting with hemoptysis post-LTx for PLAM. Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated no pulmonary abnormality, but identified a retroperitoneal mass confirmed as angiomyolipoma by CT-guided core biopsy. Based on experimental work that rapamycin may inhibit angiomyolipoma cells, we commenced the patient on low-dose rapamycin. She had no adverse reactions and follow-up CT scan after 7 months demonstrated almost complete resolution of the tumor. This suggests a role for rapamycin in routine post-LTx immunosuppression for PLAM.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Biopsy; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Lung Transplantation; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Neoplasms, Second Primary; Postoperative Period; Retroperitoneal Neoplasms; Sirolimus; Surgery, Computer-Assisted; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

A 19-year old patient with tuberous sclerosis presented with a renal angiomyolipoma. Because animal trials of tuberous sclerosis showed an effect of rapamycin on renal tumors, our patient was administered rapamycin for 6 months. During this time, the renal angiomyolipoma shrank significantly, regrew during an 8-month period, and decreased in size again after readministration of rapamycin.

Topics: Adult; Angiomyolipoma; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Male; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Tuberous Sclerosis

Mutations that inactivate either TSC1 or TSC2 cause tuberous sclerosis. We have used immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analysis to see whether there is phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase, and the ribosomal S6 protein in angiomyolipomas occurring in tuberous scierosis. Hamartin (encoded by TSC1) and S6K was expressed in all samples. Tuberin (TSC2) was weak or absent in angiomyolipomas, but present in healthy kidney, whereas, phosphorylated p70 S6 kinase and p56 were present only in angiomyolipomas. Our results indicate activation of a mammalian target of rapamycin metabolic pathway in tuberous sclerosis lesions, which contributes to their growth. We suggest that treatment with rapamycin and its analogues could benefit such patients.

Topics: Angiomyolipoma; Animals; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Cell Division; Germ-Line Mutation; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Kidney; Kidney Neoplasms; Mice; Phosphorylation; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Kinases; Proteins; Repressor Proteins; Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases, 70-kDa; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins