sirolimus and Vascular-Malformations

Initially developed as immunosuppressive agents, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are currently used widely in the management of vascular malformations and tumors. The incidence of infectious complications in the vascular anomalies (VA) population is not well defined. The goal of this systematic review was to better define the types and severity of reported infectious complications in patients with VAs treated with mTOR inhibition.. This was a systematic review conducted following PRISMA guidelines evaluating all research articles focused on infectious complications in patients with VAs treated with sirolimus or everolimus. Thirty articles including 1182 total patients and 316 infections (in 291 unique patients) were ultimately included.. The majority of infections were viral upper respiratory (n = 137, 54%), followed by pneumonia (n = 53, 20%), and cutaneous infections (n = 20, 8%). There were six total infection-related fatalities, which all occurred in patients younger than 2 years. Two cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) were reported. These were infants with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) who were also treated with steroids and did not receive PJP prophylaxis. Almost one-third (n = 96, 32%) of infectious complications were graded 3-4 according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) criteria. Details of patient age, subtype of VA, and timing of infection were lacking from many reports.. Most infectious complications reported in patients with VA on mTOR inhibitors were viral respiratory infections and non-severe. Bacteremia, infectious fatalities, and PJP are exceedingly rare. Future studies are needed to clarify the spectrum of infectious risks in VA patients and to provide guidance for infection prevention.

Topics: Everolimus; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Vascular Malformations

This PRISMA-compliant systematic review aimed to assess risks and benefits of sirolimus treatment for paediatric lymphatic malformations by focusing not only on treatment efficacy but also on possible treatment-related adverse events, and treatment combinations with other techniques.. Search criteria were applied to MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases and included all studies published up to March 2022 reporting paediatric lymphatic malformations treated with sirolimus. We selected all original studies that included treatment outcomes. After the removal of duplicates, selection of abstracts and full-text articles, and quality assessment, we reviewed eligible articles for patient demographics, lymphatic malformation type, size or stage, site, clinical response rates, sirolimus administration route and dose, related adverse events, follow-up time, and concurrent treatments.. Despite promising results for sirolimus treatment in lymphatic malformation, the efficacy and safety profile of remains unclear due to the lack of high-quality studies. Systematic reporting of known side effects, especially in younger children, should assist clinicians in minimising treatment-associated risks. At the same time, we advocate for prospective multicentre studies with minimum reporting standards to facilitate improved candidate selection.

Topics: Child; Head; Humans; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Neck; Prospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Improved understanding of the genetic basis of vascular anomalies has uncovered a growing need for targeted medical therapies. This is especially important for lesions not amenable to surgical interventions or interventional radiologic techniques. Recent studies and case reports have documented the effective use of tailored medical therapies in several distinct types of vascular anomalies. Sirolimus, mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors have emerged as potential therapies. Although this remains a growing field with significant knowledge gaps, a more optimistic outlook for patients with previously devastating impact on function and quality of life seems now within reach.

Topics: Genotype; Humans; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Quality of Life; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Children with extensive lymphatic malformations of the head and neck often suffer from functional impairment and aesthetic deformity which significantly affect the quality of life and may be life-threatening. Treatment with sirolimus has the potential to improve symptoms and downsize lymphatic malformations. This systematic review summarizes the current information about sirolimus treatment of lymphatic malformations of the head and neck in children, its efficacy and side effects.. A systematic search of the literature regarding studies on sirolimus treatment of children with lymphatic malformations of the head and neck was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar up to July 2021 with the search terms "lymphatic malformation", "lymphangioma", "cystic hygroma", "low-flow malformation", "sirolimus", "rapamycin", "mTOR inhibitor" and "children".. Sirolimus could be an effective treatment for children with large complicated lymphatic malformations of the head and neck. As not all patients will benefit from treatment, the decision to treat sirolimus should be made by a multidisciplinary team.

Topics: Head; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Neck; Quality of Life; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Depending on impairment, treatment of vascular anomalies is decided on a case-by-case basis in pluridisciplinary consultations. Interventional treatments, especially surgery and sclerotherapy, are usually partially efficient and management of patients with vascular anomalies increasingly involves the use of medical drugs. The most common vascular tumor is infantile hemangioma where first-line medical treatment, when necessary, is propranolol. Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon is now largely treated with sirolimus whereas first-line treatment of coagulation disorders associated with venous malformations is based on low-molecular-weight heparins or direct anticoagulants. Sirolimus is the standard treatment for painful inflammatory manifestations of low-flow vascular malformations such capillary, venous, and lymphatic malformations that can occur singly or in combination but PIK3CA inhibitors, originally developed in oncology, have shown promising results in patients with PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum. Currently, medical treatments are poorly developed for high-flow malformations such as arteriovenous malformations. However, new research aimed at delineating the different arteriovenous malformations based on molecular findings has given new hope for future development of targeted therapies.

Topics: Arteriovenous Malformations; Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Humans; Neck; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Combined vascular malformations are complex vascular anomalies that have high morbidity and therefore, therapeutic strategies are hard to establish. In this report, we aim to present two pediatric cases of ocular combined vascular malformations successfully treated with rapamycin.

Topics: Child; Humans; Orbital Diseases; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Genetically targeted drugs in vascular anomalies (VA) are used despite the absence of a validated severity score. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of grouping phenotypic VA clinical characteristics into a single severity score.. A systematic literature review including children treated with sirolimus accompanied by a detailed description of phenotype and management was conducted. Demographic data and clinical features were extracted to define distinct categories of phenotypes.. Children with VA display two main phenotypes regardless of VA subtype, which may overlap. A systemic phenotype results from direct invasion and compression of vital structures generally leading to hospitalization and aggressive management in infancy. A functional phenotype is associated with chronic pain and disability manifesting mainly during early adolescence and managed in the outpatient setting.. The two distinct phenotypes described could be the basis for developing a unified scoring system for VA severity assessment.

Topics: Humans; Phenotype; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

The treatment of vascular malformations and vascular anomalies is often complex, combining various approaches in the art of medicine to provide best outcomes and quality of life for these patients. Treatment may include but is not limited to the following: local control with compression garments and attire, pain control, surgical procedures and debulking, laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and medical management. In this article, the authors discuss the aspects of medical management, visiting the history of medical treatment, and the recent utilization and success of enzymatic pathway inhibitors, specifically sirolimus and new therapies that hold promise for the future for these patients.

Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Vascular malformations arise from defects in the morphologic development of the vascular system and can have an impact on quality of life and/or lead to severe complications. To date, vascular malformations are frequently managed by invasive techniques, after which recurrence is common. Sirolimus, a downstream inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/AKT pathway and best known for its immunosuppressive effect, has been used off-label for lesions for which approved therapies were associated with unsatisfactory results or recurrence. The aim of this study was to review the available data on the effect of sirolimus on the size and symptoms of different types of malformations and to summarize the main safety issues.. A literature search in Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and SCOPUS was performed. Case reports, case series, and clinical trials evaluating the effect of sirolimus in vascular malformations were eligible for this review. Fully terminated studies published between January 2010 and May 2019 reporting an evaluable response on size and/or symptoms were included. Relevant data on lesion size, symptoms, side effects and duration of treatment were extracted as reported in the study. Additionally, we reported 10 unpublished cases who were treated in UZ Leuven.. The literature review included 68 articles, describing 324 patients. The median duration of therapy was 12 months (range, 1-60 months). After 6 months of treatment, the size of the malformation had at least decreased in 67% of patients with common venous malformations (VM), in 93% of patients with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome and in all patients with verrucous VM. The size of lymphatic malformations improved in more than 80% of the patients, even in the case of extensive involvement such as in Gorham-Stout disease and generalized lymphatic anomaly. In addition, the majority of patients with syndromic vascular malformations experienced a decrease in size and reported symptoms improved in almost all patients, regardless of the type of malformation. Side effects were common (53%) but usually mild; mucositis and bone marrow suppression were the most common. Regrowth or recurrence of symptoms occurred in 49% of patients who discontinued treatment. Comparable effects were seen in our own patients.. This review shows that sirolimus is effective in decreasing the size and/or symptoms of particularly lymphatic malformations as well as VMs. Although common, side effects were usually mild. Nevertheless, clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety and effectivity of sirolimus and to identify the required serum levels and duration of treatment.

Topics: Humans; Off-Label Use; Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

The management of vascular anomalies is complex and requires a multidisciplinary team with a combination of medical, surgical, and intervention treatments. Medical treatment is limited and has conflicting results. Off-label use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors shows promising results. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the literature published about the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in the treatment of vascular anomalies.. A systematic review of the published literature was conducted using the PubMed database and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.. There were 73 articles included: 2 randomized controlled studies, 2 nonrandomized prospective studies, and 69 retrospective case reports and case series. In total, 373 patients were included. Sirolimus was administered topically to 56 patients and orally to 317 patients. Sirolimus was highly effective in the treatment of vascular tumors associated with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (95.5% of the patients clinically improved and 93% had normalization of coagulopathy), venous malformations (size reduction was observed in 88.9% of patients), and lymphatic malformations (clinical improvement in 94.9% of patients). Topical sirolimus results were conflicting. Arteriovenous malformations were not improved by sirolimus.. Low-level evidence suggests that sirolimus can improve the prognosis of vascular anomalies, most notably vascular tumors associated with life-threatening coagulopathy and venous and lymphatic malformations. Further research is needed to establish the benefits of sirolimus in the management of vascular anomalies.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Cardiovascular Agents; Female; Humans; Male; Off-Label Use; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations; Vascular Neoplasms

The field of vascular anomalies has seen a fundamental change during the past 10 years. The identification of somatic genetic mutations as the explanation of sporadic vascular anomalies opened the doors to study prospectively and a posteriori the causes of various vascular malformations. This was helped by the rapidly evolving genetic techniques including the highly sensitive next generation sequencing. In parallel, knowledge on signaling alterations occurring in vascular endothelial cells because of the various mutations, development of in-vitro and especially the first in-vivo models, gave the possibility to test preclinically molecular therapies for vascular malformations.. One of the first molecules, rapamycin, showed clear evidence of interrupting lesion growth. As its safety profile had been established in other conditions, it was quickly accepted for clinical trials on vascular anomalies. Now, with a few trials published and others ongoing, it is establishing itself as a gold standard for molecular therapy for recalcitrant lesions.. Targeted molecular therapies are becoming interesting new additions to the management of vascular anomalies, and rapamycin is establishing itself as a gold standard for venous malformations.

Topics: Animals; Endothelial Cells; Humans; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Vascular anomalies consist of a diverse group of disorders that are broadly categorized as tumors and malformations. . Recently, there has been significant genomic discovery allowing phenotype/genotype correlation of disease. An increasing number of pediatric hematologists/oncologists are caring for individuals with vascular anomalies as these patients require chronic care and have high medical acuity needs. The advent of new medical therapy options, along with ongoing and upcoming clinical trials, makes the involvement of hematologists/oncologists essential. This article highlights diagnosis and management of complicated vascular anomalies as well as important new treatment options and discoveries.

Topics: Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Child; Hemangioendothelioma; Humans; Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Vascular Malformations

Vascular anomalies (VAs) may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus (rapamycin) in the treatment of children and young adults with complicated VAs. A retrospective chart was created that included 19 patients treated with sirolimus for complicated VAs. Concurrently, a search of the PubMed database for VA cases treated with sirolimus was conducted. Descriptive analysis was performed and the efficiency rate of sirolimus was calculated. This retrospective study included 19 patients, 17 of whom were treated with oral sirolimus and 2 with topical sirolimus. Clinical improvement occurred in 15 patients (79%). One patient experienced near-complete resolution. Only 2 patients showed poor response and discontinued treatment. The literature review analysed 150 cases of VA treated with sirolimus. Sirolimus was efficient in 85% of cases, including 5 cases of complete resolution. Sirolimus appears to be an effective and safe treatment for children and young adults with complicated VAs.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Age Factors; Antineoplastic Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Israel; Male; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Remission Induction; Retrospective Studies; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; Time Factors; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations; Vascular Neoplasms; Young Adult

Vascular anomalies encompass a wide variety of clinical conditions involving the vasculature. Over the past several decades, the terminology has changed as our understanding of these conditions has improved. A well-accepted classification scheme has evolved with constant additions, updates, and revisions. Imaging techniques have also advanced with greater resolution and a better understanding of the correlation between imaging, clinical behavior, and natural history. Meanwhile, the treatment of these conditions has also changed, with greater focus on minimally invasive techniques as opposed to radical surgery. Despite these changes, surgical intervention remains a high-value option for select patients. With greater understanding of the molecular basis of these diseases, medical treatment has improved especially in severe cases where options remain limited. A multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive patient care usually yields the best outcome and is strongly encouraged.

Topics: Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; Embolization, Therapeutic; Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Sclerotherapy; Sirolimus; Tissue Adhesives; Ultrasonography, Doppler; Vascular Malformations; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Vascular malformations of the head and neck are complex lesions that are notoriously difficult to manage. Treatment of these lesions often requires a multispecialty and multimodal approach. In the modern era of evidence-based medicine, it has become imperative for clinicians to incorporate evidence-based treatment algorithms into their everyday practices. With general widespread inundation of the literature with levels IV and V clinical evidence, however, it is often difficult to draw meaningful conclusions that can be practically applied to the clinical question at hand. When asking how best to manage the most common vascular malformations, we are faced with this large volume of lower level studies conducted in drastically different ways without consistency in outcomes reporting, thus making direct comparison nearly impossible. Furthermore, much of the evidence shows mixed results, adding to confusion over what the optimal evidence-based treatment approaches truly are. In attempt to derive consensus from available literature discussing the management of vascular malformations, we reviewed the current literature detailing modern-day treatment approaches for lymphatic malformations, venous malformations, and arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck.

Topics: Ablation Techniques; Arteriovenous Malformations; Embolization, Therapeutic; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Laser Therapy; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Lymphatic Vessels; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; Sclerotherapy; Sildenafil Citrate; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations; Veins; Watchful Waiting

Dysregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway is the underlying pathogenic mechanism in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Other syndromes caused by genetic alterations in this pathway frequently manifest as vascular anomalies or asymmetric overgrowth. Rarely, these features have been documented in TSC.. To collate cases of TSC with vascular anomaly or overgrowth that have been published and to assemble additional recent cases, as this finding has been underreported.. TSC cases from three pediatric dermatology referral centers on two continents were reviewed to identify individuals noted to have hemihypertrophy or vascular anomalies.. We report five additional cases of TSC associated with vascular anomalies or overgrowth that contribute to our understanding of some of the pathways and treatments involved in vascular anomalies.. Hemihypertrophy and vascular anomalies may be more frequent in the setting of TSC than previously appreciated. A common pathogenetic mechanism may tie these manifestations together.

Topics: Adolescent; Age Distribution; Comorbidity; Everolimus; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Mutation; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Sampling Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Distribution; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Tuberous Sclerosis; Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Vascular Malformations

We have entered an exciting era in the care of patients with vascular anomalies. These disorders require multidisciplinary care and coordination and dedicated centers have emerged to address this need. Vascular tumors have been treated with medical therapies for many years, while malformations have been historically treated with endovascular and operative procedures. The recent serendipitous discoveries of propranolol and sirolimus for vascular anomalies have revolutionized this field. In particular, sirolimus responses are challenging the dogma that vascular malformations are not biologically active. While initially explored for lymphatic anomalies, sirolimus is now being used broadly throughout the spectrum of vascular anomalies. Whether medical therapies are reserved for refractory patients or used first line is currently dependent on the experience and availability of alternative therapies at each institution. On the horizon, we anticipate new drugs targeting genes and pathways involved in vascular anomalies to be developed. Also, combinations of medications and protocols combining medical and procedural approaches are in development for refractory patients.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Bevacizumab; Clinical Decision-Making; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Interferons; Propranolol; Sildenafil Citrate; Sirolimus; Thalidomide; Vascular Malformations

The clinical presentation of patients with slow-flow vascular malformations is very heterogeneous. High clinical burden and subsequent reduced health-related quality of life is something they have in common. There is an unmet medical need for these patients for whom regular treatments like surgery and embolization are either insufficient or technically impossible. Sirolimus has been reported to be effective and overall well-tolerated in most patients. However, the main limitation of sirolimus is the reported high toxicity, especially when target levels of 10-15 ng/mL are being used. We report the results of a phase IIB single-arm open-label clinical trial consisting of 68 (67 in the challenge phase and 68 in the rechallenge phase) evaluable patients (children n = 33 and adults n = 35) demonstrating that treatment with low sirolimus target levels (4-10 ng/mL) is effective in 79.1% of the patients. When sirolimus treatment was stopped, the majority of patients experienced a recurrence of symptoms, supporting prolonged or even lifelong treatment requirement. Adults experienced a higher baseline pain score compared with children, having an estimated marginal mean of 6.2 versus 4.1, p < 0.05; however, they showed a similar decrease to children. Furthermore, the pediatric population experienced less often a sirolimus-related grade I-IV adverse event (35.9% vs. 64.1%, p > 0.05) compared with adults. Additionally, response rates were higher in children compared with adults (93.8% vs. 65.7%, p < 0.05), and children responded faster (28 vs. 91 days, p < 0.05). These results suggest benefits of sirolimus in patients with slow-flow vascular malformations and support its initiation as young as possible.

Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Quality of Life; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

BACKGROUNDSlow-flow vascular malformations frequently harbor activating mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade. Phase II trials pinpointed sirolimus effectiveness as a drug therapy. Efficacy and safety of sirolimus thus need to be evaluated in large prospective phase III trials.METHODSThe Vascular Anomaly-Sirolimus-Europe (VASE) trial, initiated in 2016, is a large multicentric prospective phase III trial (EudraCT 2015-001703-32), which evaluates efficacy and safety of sirolimus for 2 years in pediatric and adult patients with symptomatic slow-flow vascular malformations. In this interim analysis, we studied all patients enrolled up to October 2021 who received sirolimus for 12 or more months or who prematurely stopped the treatment.RESULTSThirty-one pediatric and 101 adult patients were included in this analysis; 107 completed 12 or more months of sirolimus, including 61 who were treated for the whole 2-year period. Sirolimus resulted in a clinical improvement in 85% of patients. The efficacy appeared within the first month for the majority of them. Grade 3-4 adverse events were observed in 24 (18%) patients; all resolved after treatment interruption/arrest. Sirolimus increased feasibility of surgery or sclerotherapy in 20 (15%) patients initially deemed unsuitable for intervention. Among the 61 patients who completed the 2-year treatment, 33 (54%) reported a recurrence of symptoms after a median follow-up of 13 months after sirolimus arrest. While there was no difference in efficacy, clinical improvement was faster but subsided more rapidly in PIK3CA-mutated (n = 24) compared with TIE2-mutated (n = 19) patients.CONCLUSIONSirolimus has a high efficacy and good tolerance in treatment of slow-flow vascular malformations in children and adults.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT02638389 and EudraCT 2015-001703-32.FUNDINGThe Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS grants T.0247.19, P.C005.22, T.0146.16, and P.C013.20), the Fund Generet managed by the King Baudouin Foundation (grant 2018-J1810250-211305), the Walloon Region through the FRFS-WELBIO strategic research programme (WELBIO-CR-2019C-06), the MSCA-ITN network V.A. Cure no. 814316, the Leducq Foundation Networks of Excellence Program grant "ReVAMP" (LFCR grant 21CVD03), the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 874708 (Theralymph), the Swiss National Science Foundation under the Sinergia project no. CRSII5_193694, and a Pierre M. fellowship.

Topics: Adult; Child; Europe; Humans; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Prospective Studies; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Sirolimus is increasingly being used to treat various vascular anomalies, although evidence of its efficacy is lacking.. To assess the efficacy and safety of sirolimus for children with slow-flow vascular malformations to better delineate the indications for treatment.. This multicenter, open-label, observational-phase randomized clinical trial included 59 children aged 6 to 18 years with a slow-flow vascular malformation who were recruited between September 28, 2015, and March 22, 2018, in 11 French tertiary hospital centers. Statistical analysis was performed on an intent-to-treat basis from December 4, 2019, to November 10, 2020.. Patients underwent an observational period, then switched to an interventional period when they received oral sirolimus (target serum levels, 4-12 ng/mL). The switch time was randomized from month 4 to month 8, and the whole study period lasted 12 months for each patient.. The primary outcome was change in the volume of vascular malformations detected on magnetic resonance imaging scan (with centralized interpretation) per unit of time (ie, between the interventional period and the observational period). Secondary outcomes included subjective end points: pain, bleeding, oozing, quality of life, and safety.. Among the participants (35 girls [59.3%]; mean [SD] age, 11.6 [3.8] years), 22 (37.3%) had a pure venous malformation, 18 (30.5%) had a cystic lymphatic malformation, and 19 (32.2%) had a combined malformation, including syndromic forms. Variations in the volume of vascular malformations detected on magnetic resonance imaging scans associated with the duration period were not overall significantly different between the interventional period and the observational period (all vascular malformations: mean [SD] difference, -0.001 [0.007]; venous malformations: mean [SD] difference, 0.001 [0.004]; combined malformations: mean [SD] difference, 0.001 [0.009]). However, a significant decrease in volume was observed for children with pure lymphatic malformations (mean [SD] difference, -0.005 [0.005]). Overall, sirolimus had positive effects on pain, especially for combined malformations, and on bleeding, oozing, self-assessed efficacy, and quality of life. During sirolimus treatment, 56 patients experienced 231 adverse events (5 serious adverse events, none life-threatening). The most frequent adverse event was an oral ulcer (29 patients [49.2%]).. This observational-phase randomized clinical trial allows for clarifying the goals of patients and families when starting sirolimus therapy for children older than 6 years. Pure lymphatic malformations seem to be the best indication for sirolimus therapy because evidence of decreasing lymphatic malformation volume per unit of time, oozing, and bleeding and increasing quality of life was found. In combined malformations, sirolimus significantly reduced pain, oozing, and bleeding. Benefits seemed lower for pure venous malformations than for the 2 other subgroups, also based on symptoms.. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02509468; clinicaltrialsregister.eu Identifier: 2015-001096-43.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Female; Humans; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Quality of Life; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Complicated vascular anomalies (VAs) can be intractable and uncontrollable using conventional treatment and can result in lethal outcomes. We undertook a prospective, multicenter phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in pediatric patients with complicated VAs.. Eligible patients were required to be aged 0 to 14 years and to have a complicated VA. The patients were treated with daily oral sirolimus for 12 months. The primary endpoint was the response, which was measured using sequential volumetric magnetic resonance imaging. The secondary endpoints were the disease severity score and quality of life.. Of 126 patients enrolled on an intention-to-treat basis, 98 (77.8%) had had an objective response to sirolimus, with a ≥20% decrease in lesion volume. Compared with those with arteriovenous malformations, the response rates were higher (>80%) for patients with common lymphatic malformations, venous malformations, kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, and combined malformations with a prominent venous and/or lymphatic component (P < .05). Improvements in the disease severity score and quality of life were obtained in 83.3% and 79.4% of patients, respectively. The most common adverse event was mucositis in 47 patients. More serious adverse events included reversible grade 4 pneumonitis in 3 patients and grade 4 upper respiratory infection in 1 patient. All these adverse events were considered at least possibly related to the treatment.. Sirolimus is an apparently effective option for pediatric patients with various types of complicated VAs. Close monitoring of possible adverse events is required. The results from the present trial are the basis for future prospective studies using new therapeutic approaches.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; China; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Severity of Illness Index; Sirolimus; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

CLOVES syndrome (congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal naevi, scoliosis/skeletal and spinal syndrome) is a genetic disorder that results from somatic, mosaic gain-of-function mutations of the PIK3CA gene, and belongs to the spectrum of PIK3CA-related overgrowth syndromes (PROS). This rare condition has no specific treatment and a poor survival rate. Here, we describe a postnatal mouse model of PROS/CLOVES that partially recapitulates the human disease, and demonstrate the efficacy of BYL719, an inhibitor of PIK3CA, in preventing and improving organ dysfunction. On the basis of these results, we used BYL719 to treat nineteen patients with PROS. The drug improved the disease symptoms in all patients. Previously intractable vascular tumours became smaller, congestive heart failure was improved, hemihypertrophy was reduced, and scoliosis was attenuated. The treatment was not associated with any substantial side effects. In conclusion, this study provides the first direct evidence supporting PIK3CA inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy in patients with PROS.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Child; Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Heart Failure; HeLa Cells; Humans; Lipoma; Male; Mice; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Nevus; Phenotype; Scoliosis; Sirolimus; Syndrome; Thiazoles; Vascular Malformations; Vascular Neoplasms

Slow-flow superficial vascular malformations (VMs) are rare congenital anomalies that can be responsible for pain and functional impairment. Currently, we have no guidelines for their management, which can involve physical bandages, sclerotherapy, surgery, anti-inflammatory or anti-coagulation drugs or no treatment. The natural history is progressive and worsening. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that acts as a master switch in cell proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism and angio/lymphangiogenesis. Sirolimus directly inhibits the mTOR pathway, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and angio/lymphangiogenesis. Case reports and series have reported successful use of sirolimus in children with different types of vascular anomalies, with heterogeneous outcomes.. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in children with complicated superficial slow-flow VMs.. This French multicenter randomized observational-phase, phase 2 trial aims to include 50 pediatric patients 6 to 18 years old who have slow-flow (lymphatic, venous or lymphatico-venous) voluminous complicated superficial VM. Patients will be followed up for 12 months. All patients will start with an observational period (no treatment). Then at a time randomly selected between month 4 and month 8, they will switch to the experimental period (switch time), when they will receive sirolimus until month 12. Each child will undergo MRI 3 times: at baseline, at the switch time, and at month 12. For both periods (observational and treatment), we will calculate the relative change in volume of the VM divided by the study period duration. This relative change weighted by the study period duration will constitute the primary endpoint. VM will be measured by MRI images, which will be centralized and interpreted by the same radiologist who will be blinded to the study period. Hence, each patient will be his/her own control. Secondary outcomes will include assessment of safety and efficacy by viewing standardized digital photographs and according to the physician, the patient or proxy; impact on quality of life; and evolution of biological makers (coagulation factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, tissue factor).. The main benefit of the study will be to resolve uncertainty concerning the efficacy of sirolimus in reducing the volume of VMs and limiting related complications and the safety of the drug in children with slow-flow VMs. This trial design is interesting in these rare conditions because all included patients will have the opportunity to receive the drug and the physician can maintain it after the end of the protocol if is found efficient (which would not be the case in a classical cross-over study).. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02509468 , first received: 28 July 2015. EU Clinical Trials Register EudraCT Number: 2015-001096-43.

Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Blood Flow Velocity; Child; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Coronary Circulation; Female; France; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Observational Studies as Topic; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sirolimus; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Complicated vascular anomalies have limited therapeutic options and cause significant morbidity and mortality. This Phase II trial enrolled patients with complicated vascular anomalies to determine the efficacy and safety of treatment with sirolimus for 12 courses; each course was defined as 28 days.. Treatment consisted of a continuous dosing schedule of oral sirolimus starting at 0.8 mg/m(2) per dose twice daily, with pharmacokinetic-guided target serum trough levels of 10 to 15 ng/mL. The primary outcomes were responsiveness to sirolimus by the end of course 6 (evaluated according to functional impairment score, quality of life, and radiologic assessment) and the incidence of toxicities and/or infection-related deaths.. Sixty-one patients were enrolled; 57 patients were evaluable for efficacy at the end of course 6, and 53 were evaluable at the end of course 12. No patient had a complete response at the end of course 6 or 12 as anticipated. At the end of course 6, a total of 47 patients had a partial response, 3 patients had stable disease, and 7 patients had progressive disease. Two patients were taken off of study medicine secondary to persistent adverse effects. Grade 3 and higher toxicities attributable to sirolimus included blood/bone marrow toxicity in 27% of patients, gastrointestinal toxicity in 3%, and metabolic/laboratory toxicity in 3%. No toxicity-related deaths occurred.. Sirolimus was efficacious and well tolerated in these study patients with complicated vascular anomalies. Clinical activity was reported in the majority of the disorders.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Disease Progression; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is characterized by port-wine stains (PWS) affecting the face, eyes, and central nervous system. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the standard treatment for PWS. Unfortunately, recurrence is frequent because of reformation and reperfusion of blood vessels.. We sought to assess the clinical efficacy of topical rapamycin combined with PDL in PWS of patients with SWS.. We conducted a phase II, randomized, double-blind, intraindividual placebo-controlled, clinical trial. We recruited 23 patients with SWS and facial PWS (12 women; median age 33 years, age range 17-65 years) from the University Clinic of Navarra, Spain. Four interventions were evaluated: placebo, PDL + placebo, rapamycin, and PDL + rapamycin. Clinical and histologic responses were evaluated using a chromatographic computerized system, spectrometry, and histologic analyses at 6, 12, and 18 weeks after the intervention.. PDL + rapamycin yielded the lowest digital photographic image score and the lowest percentage of vessels in histologic analysis, and showed a statistically significant improvement compared with the other interventions. The treatment was generally well tolerated.. PDL was only applied to the lateral parts of the PWS area.. Topical rapamycin associated with PDL seems to be an effective treatment for PWS in patients with SWS.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Capillaries; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lasers, Dye; Male; Middle Aged; Port-Wine Stain; Sirolimus; Sturge-Weber Syndrome; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Venous malformations (VMs) are composed of ectatic veins with scarce smooth muscle cell coverage. Activating mutations in the endothelial cell tyrosine kinase receptor TIE2 are a common cause of these lesions. VMs cause deformity, pain, and local intravascular coagulopathy, and they expand with time. Targeted pharmacological therapies are not available for this condition. Here, we generated a model of VMs by injecting HUVECs expressing the most frequent VM-causing TIE2 mutation, TIE2-L914F, into immune-deficient mice. TIE2-L914F-expressing HUVECs formed VMs with ectatic blood-filled channels that enlarged over time. We tested both rapamycin and a TIE2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TIE2-TKI) for their effects on murine VM expansion and for their ability to inhibit mutant TIE2 signaling. Rapamycin prevented VM growth, while TIE2-TKI had no effect. In cultured TIE2-L914F-expressing HUVECs, rapamycin effectively reduced mutant TIE2-induced AKT signaling and, though TIE2-TKI did target the WT receptor, it only weakly suppressed mutant-induced AKT signaling. In a prospective clinical pilot study, we analyzed the effects of rapamycin in 6 patients with difficult-to-treat venous anomalies. Rapamycin reduced pain, bleeding, lesion size, functional and esthetic impairment, and intravascular coagulopathy. This study provides a VM model that allows evaluation of potential therapeutic strategies and demonstrates that rapamycin provides clinical improvement in patients with venous malformation.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Mice; Mice, Nude; Middle Aged; Mutation, Missense; Pilot Projects; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Receptor, TIE-2; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations; Veins

Topics: Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Sirolimus; Vascular Diseases; Vascular Malformations

Sirolimus has demonstrated effectiveness as a treatment option for several types of vascular anomalies; however, it has a potential side effect of delayed surgical wound healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of sirolimus with postoperative complications in the pediatric vascular anomaly population.. A retrospective cohort study was performed for children with a vascular anomaly who underwent excision or debulking of the anomaly from 2015 to 2020. Patient demographics, vascular anomaly characteristics, operative variables, sirolimus dosing information, and perioperative outcomes were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to compare outcomes based on the administration of sirolimus.. Forty-seven patients with vascular anomalies underwent 57 surgical procedures (36 without perioperative sirolimus, 21 with perioperative sirolimus). The median age at the time of surgery was seven years (IQR 1.7-14.0). The most common anomalies were lymphatic and venolymphatic malformations. Of the patients administered perioperative sirolimus, the median preoperative and postoperative sirolimus levels were comparable (preoperative 6.9 ng/mL (IQR 4.9-10.1), postoperative 6.5 ng/mL (IQR 4.7-9.4)). The rate of postoperative complications (sirolimus 19%, without sirolimus 11%; p = 0.45) and wound complications (sirolimus 14%, without sirolimus 6%; p = 0.26) were comparable between the cohorts.. Our results suggest sirolimus may not significantly increase perioperative complication rates in pediatric patients undergoing resection of their vascular anomaly.. Level III.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Capillary lymphatic venous malformations (CLVM) and associated syndromes, including Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) and congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformation, epidermal nevi, skeletal, and spinal syndrome (CLOVES), are underrecognized disorders associated with high morbidity from chronic pain, recurrent infections, bleeding, and clotting complications. The rarity of these disorders and heterogeneity of clinical presentations make large-scale randomized clinical drug trials challenging. Identification of PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha [gene]) mutations in CLVM has made targeted medications, such as sirolimus, attractive treatment options. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of sirolimus therapy in CLVM.. A combined prospective and retrospective cohort of pediatric and young adult patients with CLVM treated with sirolimus was evaluated for disease response, including symptom improvement, quality of life (QOL), and radiologic response. Sirolimus dosing regimens and toxicities were also assessed.. Twenty-nine patients with CLVM, including KTS and CLOVES, were included. Ninety-three percent of patients reported improved QOL, and 86% had improvement in at least one symptom. Most significantly, improvement was noted in 100% of patients with bleeding and 89% with thrombotic complications with corresponding decreases in mean D-dimer (p = .008) and increases in mean fibrinogen (p = .016). No patients had progressive disease on sirolimus. Most common side effects included neutropenia, lymphopenia, infection, and aphthous ulcers/stomatitis. No toxicities were life-threatening, and none required long-term discontinuation of sirolimus.. Sirolimus appears to be effective at reducing complications and improving QOL in patients with CLVM and associated syndromes. In this patient cohort, sirolimus was well tolerated and resulted in few treatment-related toxicities.

Topics: Child; Humans; Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Topics: Fibrinolysis; Humans; Prospective Studies; Sirolimus; Thromboplastin; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; Vascular Malformations

To explore the differences in the efficacy and safety of oral sirolimus and sildenafil in the treatment of pediatric intractable lymphatic malformations (LMs).. From January 2014 to May 2022, we retrospectively enrolled children with intractable LMs treated with oral drugs (sirolimus or sildenafil) and divided the patients into sirolimus and sildenafil groups from Beijing Children's Hospital (BCH). Clinical features, treatment, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. The indicators were the ratio of reduction in lesion volume pre and posttreatment, the number of patients with improved clinical symptoms, and adverse reactions to the two drugs.. Twenty-four children in the sildenafil group and 31 children in the sirolimus group were included in the present study. The effective rate in the sildenafil group was 54.2% (13/24), with a median lesion volume reduction ratio of 0.32 (-0.23, 0.89) and clinical symptoms improved in 19 patients (79.2%). On the contrary, the effective rate in the sirolimus group was 93.5% (29/31), with a median lesion volume reduction ratio of 0.68 (0.34, 0.96), and clinical symptoms improved in 30 patients (96.8%). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups. Regarding safety, four patients in the sildenafil group and 23 patients in the sirolimus group with mild adverse reactions were reported.. Both sildenafil and sirolimus can reduce the volume of LMs and improve clinical symptoms in partial patients with intractable LMs. Sirolimus is more effective than sildenafil and the adverse reactions associated with both drugs are mild and controllable.. III Laryngoscope, 133:3192-3199, 2023.

Topics: Child; Humans; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Retrospective Studies; Sildenafil Citrate; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

The purpose of this study was to present our initial experience in using sirolimus therapy to treat fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA).. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of eight patients with FAVA who were treated with sirolimus at our hospital between July 2017 and October 2020.. Six girls (75%) and two boys (25%) were included in the cohort; the average age was 8 years (range, 1-13 years). Vascular tumors developed mainly on the extremities, including the forearm (n = 2; 25.0%), calf (n = 4; 50.0%), and thigh (n = 2; 25.0%). The predominant symptoms included swelling of the lesion (n = 8; 100%), pain (n = 7; 87.5%), contracture (n = 3; 37.5%), and phlebectasia (n = 3; 37.5%). Magnetic resonance imaging was the primary method used for FAVA diagnosis, and all patients underwent enhanced MRI. All lesions were heterogeneous with hyperintense T1 signals. The fat-suppressed T2-weighted images also revealed heterogeneous hyperintense masses, thus indicating fibrofatty infiltration. All eight patients received a sirolimus treatment regimen after FAVA diagnosis. One patient underwent tumor resection but experienced recurrence, whereas the other six patients underwent biopsy. Histological examination revealed that the lesions consisted of fibrofatty tissue with abnormal venous channels and anomalous lymphatic vascular components. Sirolimus softened the masses and caused tumor shrinkage within 5.25 ± 2.6 weeks (range, 2-10 weeks) after treatment initiation. The tumors also involuted rapidly and became stable within 7.75 ± 2.25 months after treatment initiation (range, 6-12 months). All seven patients experiencing pain reported relief within 3.8 ± 1.8 weeks (range, 2-7 weeks) after initiation of sirolimus therapy. Sirolimus alleviated but did not fully resolve the contracture in three patients. Remarkably, five patients exhibited a complete response, and three patients exhibited a partial response. At the time of the last follow-up, three patients had begun to gradually taper off sirolimus after 24 months of treatment and maintained a low blood sirolimus concentration. No serious adverse effects were observed during treatment.. FAVA is a complex vascular malformation that appears to respond well to sirolimus treatment. Thus, sirolimus may be an effective and safe treatment for FAVA.. LEVEL IV.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Contracture; Female; Humans; Infant; Lower Extremity; Male; Pain; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

The use of sirolimus in vascular anomalies is a special indication not authorized in its data sheet. The objective of this study was to increase the evidence of oral or topical use of sirolimus for this indication in the pediatric population.. An observational, retrospective study of patients under 18 years of age treated with oral or topical sirolimus for vascular anomalies was carried out. Diagnosis and location of lesions, administration route and dosage of sirolimus, blood levels of sirolimus in patients who received oral treatment, treatment duration, response, and toxicity were collected.. 18 patients - 7 with oral treatment and 11 with topical treatment - were included. With oral sirolimus, the overall response rate was 85.7%. Sirolimus was discontinued in 2 cases - as a result of full resolution and progression. 57.1% of patients had adverse effects, most of which were mild. Dyslipidemia was the most frequent adverse effect. Blood levels were monitored in all patients for dose adjustment purposes. With topical treatment, the overall response rate was 72.7%. Sirolimus was discontinued in 3 cases -due to progression in 2 cases and to stability in 1. 27.3% of patients had adverse effects, with itching standing out as the most frequent one.. The favorable results of sirolimus treatment in our patients seem to confirm its effectiveness and safety in vascular anomalies, which make it stand as a therapeutic option in pediatric patients. However, further research is required to establish the optimal treatment regimen, treatment duration, and potential long-term adverse effects.. El uso de sirolimus en anomalías vasculares es una indicación especial no autorizada en ficha técnica. El objetivo de este estudio es incrementar la evidencia del empleo por vía oral o tópica de sirolimus en esta indicación en población pediátrica.. Estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes menores de 18 años tratados con sirolimus oral o tópico para anomalías vasculares recogiendo: diagnóstico y ubicación de lesiones, forma de administración y dosificación de sirolimus, niveles sanguíneos de fármaco en los pacientes con tratamiento oral, duración del tratamiento, respuesta y toxicidad.. Se incluyeron 18 pacientes (7 con tratamiento oral y 11 tópico). Con sirolimus oral, la tasa de respuesta global fue 85,7%. Se interrumpió sirolimus en 2 casos: por resolución completa y por progresión. El 57,1% experimentó algún efecto adverso, en su mayoría leves; siendo la dislipemia el efecto adverso más frecuente. La monitorización de niveles sanguíneos fue empleada en todos los pacientes para el ajuste de dosis. Con el tratamiento tópico, la tasa de respuesta global fue 72,7%. Se interrumpió sirolimus en 3 casos: progresión en 2 casos y estabilidad en 1. El 27,3% experimentó algún efecto adverso, siendo el prurito el más frecuente.. Los resultados favorables del tratamiento con sirolimus en nuestros pacientes parecen confirmar la efectividad y seguridad del fármaco en anomalías vasculares y lo posicionan como una opción terapéutica en pacientes pediátricos. Aun así, parece necesaria mayor investigación que trate de aclarar, entre otros, el régimen óptimo del tratamiento, la duración del mismo y los potenciales efectos adversos a largo plazo.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Patients with vascular anomalies (VAs) who receive oral sirolimus may be at high risk of infectious complications. Antibiotic prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) has been advocated. However, there have been few evidence-based analyses on this topic. This study assessed the effect of prophylactic TMP-SMZ on the incidence of infections in VA patients receiving sirolimus monotherapy.. A retrospective, multicenter chart review was performed on all VA patients receiving sirolimus treatment from August, 2013 to January, 2021.. Before January 2017, 112 patients were treated with sirolimus without antibiotic prophylaxis. In the subsequent period, 195 patients were treated with TMP-SMZ for at least 12 months during sirolimus therapy. The percentage of patients with at least one serious infection during the initial 12 months of sirolimus treatment did not differ between the groups (difference, 1.1%; 95% CI - 7.0-8.0%). We observed no difference in the incidence of individual infection or total adverse events between the groups. The rate of sirolimus discontinuation due to adverse events did not differ significantly between groups.. We demonstrated that prophylactic TMP-SMZ does not decrease the incidence of infection or improve tolerance in VA patients receiving sirolimus monotherapy.

Topics: Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Vascular Malformations

Numerous clinical trials of sirolimus, an inhibitor of mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1, for the treatment of vascular malformations have been conducted. However, aside from lymphatic malformations, the efficacy of sirolimus for venous and capillary malformations has not been established. Moreover, no generalized venous or capillary malformations have been treated with topical sirolimus. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical sirolimus for venous and capillary malformations and to compare the efficacy of topical and systemic sirolimus therapy, an open-label single-arm pilot study with 0.2% sirolimus gel was conducted from July 19, 2019, to January 30, 2020, in four patients diagnosed with different vascular malformations (blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome, common venous malformation, phakomatosis pigmentovascularis type IVb, and angiokeratoma in Fabry disease). The primary endpoint was the safety evaluation of sirolimus gel. The main secondary endpoint was the improvement rate evaluated by the Central Judgment Committee at 12 weeks using photographs. No adverse events were observed. Blood sirolimus was not detected in any patient. Two patients (50%) had mild improvement, and the remaining two patients (50%) showed no change after 12 weeks of treatment. Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome, a generalized venous malformation, showed the greatest response. In conclusion, 0.2% sirolimus gel was found to be as clinically effective as systemic sirolimus treatment in patients with venous and capillary malformations and more effective for early active lesions, even systemic venous malformations.

Topics: Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Nevus, Blue; Pilot Projects; Sirolimus; Skin Neoplasms; Vascular Malformations

Genetic analysis in human patients has linked mutations in PIK3CA, the catalytic subunit of PI-3'Kinase, to sporadic incidences of vascular malformations.. We have developed a mouse model with inducible and endothelial-specific expression of PIK3CA. This approach allows us to successfully model the human disease in a mature and established vascular bed and track the development of vascular malformations. To validate the utility of this model, we applied a topical rapamycin ointment, as rapamycin is therapeutically beneficial to patients in clinical trials. We found that the induced ear lesions showed significant attenuation after treatment, which was easily quantified.. These data collectively provide evidence of a new model to study vascular malformations in adult tissues, which should be particularly useful in environments lacking specialized small-animal imaging facilities.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Catalytic Domain; Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Mice; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

The diagnosis and treatment of fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) of the limb remains challenging since this entity is rare and complex. This paper is aimed to describe the clinical and imaging features, staging and management of this underrecognized disease of the limb.. Patients diagnosed with FAVA and managed between September 2019 and May 2022 in department of pediatric surgery & vascular anomalies of Xi'an international medical center hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Data extracted include age at presentation, previous diagnosis, affected muscles, symptoms, previous treatment, our management, and follow-up.. Thirty-two patients with FAVA were diagnosed and managed in our center. There was a female sex predominance, with 23 female (72%) and 9 male (28%) in the cohort. Only one lesion was noticed during infancy; the remaining presented at age 1 to 20 years (median, 7 years). The most commonly involved muscles were gastrocnemius (14/32, 44%) and soleus (13/32, 40%). Swelling (mass), pain and contractures were the most common presentations. MRI featured a heterogeneous and ill-defined intramuscular high signal intensity. Diseases were staged according to clinical features: stage I (pain stage, n = 4), stage II (contracture stage, n = 20) and stage III (deformity stage, n = 8). Patients with stage I disease underwent radical resection and obtained a cure. Patients with stage II disease received radical resection and possible Achilles lengthening, having an outcome of cure. Personalized treatment was required in patients with stage III disease, including radical/partial/staged resection, Achilles lengthening/tenotomy, joint capsulotomy, neurolysis/neurectomy, tendon transfer, stretching exercises, and oral sirolimus/alpelisib. Significant improvement of symptoms was achieved in most.. The most distinct features of FAVA include enlarging mass, severe pain and contracture. Based on distinct clinical and radiologic features, it is not difficult to make the diagnosis of FAVA. Earlier awareness of this disease can reduce misdiagnoses. Surgery-based comprehensive management can typically improve pain and contracture. Oral sirolimus or alpelisib plays an important role in treatment of unresectable lesions and major nerve involvement. Surgery alone can be curative in early stage FAVA.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Contracture; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Obesity; Pain; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Vascular anomalies (VAs) are a heterogeneous group of primarily congenital tumors and malformations. The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) has developed a standard classification of these disorders, creating a uniform approach to their diagnosis. Recent discoveries evaluating the genetic causes of VAs have revealed that they are due to mutations in cancer pathways, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/MAPK/MEK pathways. These discoveries have led to improved phenotype-genotype correlation and have expanded medical therapy for this group of unique disorders.

Topics: Humans; Mutation; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Venous malformations (VMs) are the most common vascular anomalies and have been associated with somatic variants in TEK. Current treatment of VM joint component might be challenging due to the size or location of some lesions or ineffective with recurrence of malformed veins. Targeted molecular therapies after identification of genetic defects might be an alternative.. We report a case with intraarticular bleeding due to VM with a TEK pathogenic somatic variant treated with rapamycin.. A 26-year-old female patient was evaluated for right calf pain secondary to venous malformation of the right inferior limb with an intraarticular component in the right knee. Hemarthrosis and degenerative chondropathy of the knee were evidenced at MRA. Molecular diagnosis evidenced a pathogenic somatic TEK variant. Rapamycin was introduced to stop bleeding, with good tolerance and efficacy.. The TEK receptor signals through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and TEK mutations have been linked to AKT activation. As rapamycin acts against angiogenesis and reduces phosphorylated-AKT levels, targeted molecular therapy should be discussed as first-line therapy in patients with proven molecular diagnosis and diffuse VM inaccessible to conventional treatment.

Topics: Adult; Female; Hemarthrosis; Humans; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Sirolimus; Vascular Diseases; Vascular Malformations

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare condition with characteristic vascular malformations of the skin, most frequently lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, and less often, the musculoskeletal system. We report a 5-year case of BRBNS complicated with pathological femoral fracture that was successfully treated with sirolimus.. We report the case of a 1-week-old girl with a diagnosis of BRBNS who had multiple venous malformations over her body. She also presented with right lower-limb swelling and complicated with a pathological femoral fracture.. BRBNS with the complication of pathological femoral fracture.. Treatment with low-dose sirolimus as an antiangiogenic agent was administered, combined with hip spica protection.. The vascular lesion was reduced after about 6 months and the fracture site had healed around 2.5 years after initiation of sirolimus therapy. There were no drug adverse effects at the 5-year follow-up point. The patient showed excellent spirit and no obvious sequelae were found.. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful use of sirolimus in a patient with a pathological femoral fracture related to BRBNS complications.

Topics: Female; Femoral Fractures; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Humans; Nevus, Blue; Sirolimus; Skin Neoplasms; Vascular Malformations

Orbital venolymphatic malformations are rare vascular malformations that typically appear early in life and harbor acute and chronic threats to vision. Historically, there are four categories of management: observation, medication, sclerotherapy, and surgery. Currently, there is neither a gold standard for treatment nor randomized control trials comparing treatments.The authors present a 20-year-old male who presented with spontaneous hemorrhage of an orbital venolymphatic malformation occurring with increased frequency and involving more of the posterior orbit. Surgery and sclerotherapy were not feasible options due to the extensive intraorbital and intracranial involvement of the venolymphatic malformation. Systemic steroids treated symptoms but was not curative. To this end, a combination of sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, and rivaroxaban, a factor Xa inhibitor, were used to reduce the size of the lesion and minimize the risk of thromboembolic events. This treatment has successfully kept the patient's symptoms in remission for greater than 2 years.

Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Orbital Diseases; Rivaroxaban; Sclerotherapy; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Vascular malformations are a complex pathology with few treatment options. In previously published studies, oral sirolimus (rapamycin) has shown promising results in the treatment of low-flow vascular malformations, but its usefulness in high-flow vascular malformations is controversial.. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus for the treatment of high-flow vascular malformations in real-life practice.. In a unit specializing in vascular anomalies, patients treated with oral sirolimus for high-flow vascular malformations were located by consulting the drug dispensations. Reviewing the electronic medical records, data on patient demographics, vascular malformation characteristics, treatments, toxicity and clinical course were collected and statistically analysed.. Nine patients with vascular malformations were included: eight had arteriovenous malformation and one had arteriovenous fistula. Six of these malformations were isolated while three were part of a syndrome. Sirolimus was initiated at a dosage of 1-4 mg/day to be taken as a single dose. Partial response was observed in eight of the nine patients (88.9%) with high-flow vascular malformation, while worsening was observed in the remaining patient. The treatment was well tolerated and at the most recent follow-up, five patients remained on treatment with oral sirolimus.. Our results show that oral sirolimus is a well-tolerated therapeutic option, with an excellent safety profile, which can be useful in the long-term stabilization of patients with high-flow vascular malformations. Single-daily dosage may improve long-term adherence to treatment without worsening its effectiveness.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Female; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Regional Blood Flow; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

To describe the effects of oral sirolimus administered before and after surgical resection of slow-flow vascular malformations of the scrotum in pediatric patients.. Retrospective review of 3 patients presenting with complex lymphatic-venous malformations of the scrotum who received adjuvant oral sirolimus 3 months before and 3 months after surgical resection. Demographic data, clinical course, imaging findings, and management strategies were reviewed for each patient.. In each of the 3 patients, there was a significant volume reduction of the lesion within the 3 months after initial dose of sirolimus. Scarce lymphatic leakage during and after surgery was reported, associated with an adequate wound healing. Two years after the last postsurgical dose of sirolimus, all patients remain asymptomatic without any lymphatic leakage or lesion recurrence.. Combined lymphatic-venous vascular malformations of the male genitalia are rare but associated with high morbidity and challenging treatment options. Pre- and postsurgical adjuvant treatment with oral sirolimus seems to be a promising therapeutic option that provides reduction of the lesion size before surgery and improvement of postsurgical recovery and wound healing.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Male; Postoperative Care; Premedication; Retrospective Studies; Scrotum; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations; Wound Healing

Sirolimus has become a pillar in the treatment of vascular anomalies due to its inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Adverse effects include metabolic and hematologic disorders among others, although menstrual disorders have not been well described.. Retrospective review of patients with vascular anomalies on sirolimus treatment was performed. Patients presenting menstrual alterations were included.. One hundred and thirty-six patients with vascular anomalies on treatment with sirolimus were reviewed, finding seven women out of 74 (9.4%) who presented menstrual alterations attributable to the treatment. These seven patients presented with different vascular malformations and three showed pathogenic variants in phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) in affected tissue. Partial response in six and stability in one patient was obtained after treatment, administered for an average of 27.5 months (6-48). Five patients have completed treatment and two patients continue on after 12 and 15 months, respectively. All patients reported regular menstrual cycles prior to sirolimus treatment. One patient presented with amenorrhea for 4 months after treatment initiation that later spontaneously resolved. The other six patients presented with hypermenorrhea, four of them associating metrorrhagia. Most patients presented with mild menstrual alterations, without needing dose reduction or withdrawal, although one discontinued sirolimus due to hypermenorrhea, metrorrhagia, and hematuria. After sirolimus withdrawal, regular menstrual cycles were restored in five patients.. Sirolimus treatment can produce menstrual disorders as adverse effects. Although mild and reversible upon dose reduction or cessation of treatment, patients and physicians should be aware on this potential side effect.

Topics: Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Menstruation Disturbances; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Mucous Membrane; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Skin Diseases; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Clinical studies have shown low toxicity and a favorable safety profile for sirolimus in vascular anomalies. Here, we describe severe adverse events (SAEs) observed during "off-label use" for vascular anomalies.. We performed a retrospective, multicenter chart review for SAEs during "off-label" sirolimus therapy for vascular anomalies and analyzed these cases by a predesigned workflow.. We identified 17 SAEs in 14 patients diagnosed with generalized lymphatic anomaly (n = 4), Gorham-Stout disease (n = 2), central conducting lymphatic anomaly (n = 1), lymphatic malformation (n = 4), tufted angioma (n = 1), kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (n = 1), and venous malformation in a patient with CLOVES syndrome (n = 1). Three patients presented two SAEs each. The age at initiation of sirolimus therapy was under 2 years (n = 5), 2-6 years (n = 5), and older than 12 years (n = 4). SAEs occurred during the first 3 months of sirolimus therapy (n = 7), between 3 and 12 months (n = 7) and after 1 year of therapy (n = 3). The most frequent SAE was viral pneumonia (n = 8) resulting in one death due to a metapneumovirus infection in a 3 months old and a generalized adenovirus infection in a 28-month-old child. Sirolimus blood level at the time of SAEs ranged between 2.7 and 21 ng/L. Five patients were on antibiotic prophylaxis.. Most SAEs are observed in the first year of sirolimus therapy; however, SAEs can also occur after a longer treatment period. SAEs are potentially life threatening, especially in early infancy. Presence of other risk factors, that is, underlying vascular anomaly or immune status, may contribute to the risk of SAEs. Sirolimus is an important therapeutic option for vascular anomalies, but patients and physicians need to be aware that adequate monitoring is necessary, especially in patients with complex lymphatic anomalies that are overrepresented in our cohort of SAEs.

Topics: Child, Preschool; Hemangioendothelioma; Humans; Infant; Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Off-Label Use; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Recently, sirolimus has emerged as a safe and effective treatment modality for unresectable vascular lesions. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of sirolimus from our early experience with patients with unresectable vascular anomalies.. Six patients with unresectable vascular anomalies were treated with sirolimus for ≥10 months. Their median age at the initiation of sirolimus treatment was 17 months (range, 8-67 months). The median duration of treatment was 13 months (range, 10-16 months). One patient had a good response, four had an intermediate response, and one had no response to sirolimus therapy. None of the patients had discontinued sirolimus therapy because of adverse effects.. Sirolimus can be used effectively and safely for patients with unresectable vascular anomalies. However, further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term effects of sirolimus and clarify the indications for early intervention.

Topics: Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Child, Preschool; Female; Hemangioma; Humans; Infant; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Recently, studies have shown that sirolimus is clinically efficacious in the treatment of some low-flow vascular malformations (LFVM). This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in treating complex head and neck (H&N) LFVM that were challenging and/or refractory to standard treatment.. Each patient had baseline and 6-months assessments consisting of clinical history and examination, quality of life (QoL) questionnaires, laboratory investigations, MRI and medical photography. Patients were followed up 1-week and then 1-monthly for 6-months. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre-and 6-months treatment in all 8 domains of RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and visual analog score for pain (VAS-P). P < 0.05 was considered significant.. Seven patients (median age 43 years, range 23-65 years) were recruited. Six patients completed the six-months course of therapy with 1 patient withdrawing due to intolerable side effects. All six patients reported reduction of swelling with and without other symptom improvement related to the vascular malformations while on treatment. However, at 1-month review after discontinuation of sirolimus, 5 patients reported return of initial symptoms. Overall, patients demonstrated an improvement in QoL six-months treatment but there was no statistical significance (P > 0.05) in all 8 domains of SF-36, HADS and VAS-P. Five patients demonstrated a minimum 10% decrease in lesion size six-months treatment (median 21%, range 13-40%). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that sirolimus treatment did elicit a statistically significant change in lesion size in either direction (Z = -1.992, P = 0.046). The most common side effects found were dyslipidaemia (n-4) and mouth ulcers (n = 2).. In our preliminary experience, sirolimus is effective and safe in treating patients with complex H&N LFVM. This provides an alternative treatment where standard treatment is challenging and/or refractory.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Blood Flow Velocity; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Regional Blood Flow; Sirolimus; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

CLOVES syndrome is a rare, nonheritable sporadic overgrowth disorder. In the world 130-200 cases have been reported. This is the first case of CLOVES described in Portugal, which had been not been diagnosed for the last 36 years. With this paper, the authors look to highlight the clinical features of this syndrome so that it does not go unrecognized in daily practice. The authors also underline the efficacy and safety of sirolimus, and that this treatment should not be denied, even in adult patients.

Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Lipoma; MTOR Inhibitors; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Nevus; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Patients with congenital vascular malformations often suffer from an impaired quality of life (QoL) because of pain and functional disabilities. Previous studies have shown that the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus can reduce complaints and improve QoL in some patients. High target levels of sirolimus of 10-15 ng/ml were well tolerated; however, in a relative high percentage of patients sirolimus caused serious adverse events (AEs).. A case series of 12 patients with therapy-resistant low-flow vascular malformations was treated with sirolimus, using low target levels of 4-10 ng/ml. Efficacy of sirolimus was evaluated in regard to pain symptoms using the visual analogue scale/numeric rating scale and patients reported QoL. To rule out a placebo effect of sirolimus, sirolimus was stopped after a certain time point and reintroduced as soon as complaints returned. Adverse events were closely monitored and graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grading.. An improvement in symptoms was seen in 92% (n = 11/12) of patients. In nine patients pain complaints returned. Seven out of nine of them (78%) again experienced a reduction of symptoms after restarting sirolimus treatment. Despite low target levels, these response rates are comparable to those found in the literature using higher target levels of sirolimus. However, significantly less serious AEs were observed with low dose sirolimus, suggesting low dose sirolimus might be safer. Unfortunately, young adolescent female patients developed serious menstrual disturbances during treatment with low dose sirolimus. We describe this adverse event for the first time in patients with congenital vascular malformations and this might be specifically related to low dose sirolimus.. Low dose sirolimus showed a high efficacy in patients with therapy-resistant and low-flow malformation, with a lower incidence of serious adverse events. At the same time a new adverse event, namely menstrual cycle disturbance, was observed in young adolescents, indicating the need for caution when sirolimus is given. This is extremely relevant to patients with low-flow vascular malformation, who are likely to require lifelong treatment for their condition.

Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Quality of Life; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KLA), which is a new subtype of generalized lymphatic anomaly, is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. Currently, there is no standard treatment due to the poor understanding of KLA. Sirolimus, which is an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin, has been shown to have promising potential in the treatment of complicated vascular anomalies. The aim of this study was to introduce the use of sirolimus for the treatment of KLA and to highlight the challenges of managing this refractory disease.. We reported seven patients with KLA who received sirolimus therapy in our center. Combined with previously reported cases, 58.3% achieved a partial response, 25.0% had stable disease, and 16.7% experienced disease progression. No severe sirolimus-related adverse events occurred during treatment.. This study suggests that sirolimus is currently an option for the treatment of KLA, and it is hoped that more specific therapies will be developed in the future. Rapid advances in basic science and clinical practice may facilitate the development of important new treatments for KLA.

Topics: Humans; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Topics: Female; Humans; Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome; Sirolimus; Vascular Diseases; Vascular Malformations

Emerging data have suggested that sirolimus may be a treatment option for complicated vascular anomalies (VAs). The present study aimed to investigate the immunologic effects of sirolimus treatment for 6 months in patients with VAs. Blood samples obtained from the patients enrolled in 2 multicenter studies to investigate the efficacy of sirolimus for VAs before and after sirolimus treatment for 6 months were used. Data for total white blood cell count, absolute lymphocyte count, serum immunoglobulins (Igs) levels (IgG, IgA, IgM), lymphocyte proliferation assays with mitogens including phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A, and flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte subsets were evaluated. A total of 18 patients with VAs receiving sirolimus treatment were included in the study. Comparisons of white blood cell, absolute lymphocyte count, IgG, IgA, IgM, and reaction rates of phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A revealed no significant differences before and after treatment. No significant differences were observed in the absolute counts of lymphocyte subtypes before and after treatment, except for regulatory T-cell counts, which were significantly decreased after treatment. Severe infections were not observed during sirolimus treatment. The immunologic parameters assessed in the present study were hardly affected by sirolimus treatment for 6 months in patients with VAs.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant; Lymphocytes; Male; Prognosis; Sirolimus; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Topics: Cardiovascular Abnormalities; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Topics: Adolescent; Anemia; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Humans; Male; Nevus, Blue; Sirolimus; Skin Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Angiogenesis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of skin tumors and vascular anomalies (VAs). Many drugs have been adopted for the inhibition of angiogenesis, among which rapamycin (RAPA) possesses good application prospects. However, the clinical potential of RAPA for VAs is limited by its poor solubility, low bioavailability, and high cytotoxicity. To extend its application prospect for VAs treatment, in this study, we develop RAPA-loaded dissolving polymeric microneedles (RAPA DMNs) made of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) due to its excellent solubilizing ability. RAPA DMNs are shown to have sufficient mechanical strength to overcome the skin barrier of the stratum corneum and could deliver RAPA to a depth of 200 μm. The microneedle shafts completely dissolve and 80% of the drug could be released within 10 min after insertion ex vivo. The DMNs-penetrated mice skin could repair itself within 4 h after the application of RAPA DMNs. RAPA DMNs also show good anti-angiogenic effect by inhibiting the growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and decreasing the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Therefore, RAPA DMNs promisingly provide a safe and efficient approach for VAs treatment.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Materials Testing; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Particle Size; Polymers; Sirolimus; Solubility; Surface Properties; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Malformations; Water

Vascular anomalies (VA), characterized by the abnormal development or growth of blood and/or lymphatic vessels, encompasses a spectrum of conditions with a range of symptoms and complications. VA are frequently associated with cutaneous complications that can cause significant morbidity. Systemic sirolimus has previously been shown to be effective in the treatment of complicated VA. There are limited studies to date on the use of topical sirolimus for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations of VA.. Retrospective review of medical records of pediatric patients with VA treated with topical sirolimus at a single quaternary pediatric institution. Response was determined by clinical subjective and objective measures of improvement.. Twenty-three patients with cutaneous VA manifestations were treated with topical sirolimus. Median age was 14 (range 4-27 years). The main indication for treatment was complication of lymphatic blebbing (82%, n = 19) including lymphatic fluid leakage, bleeding, pain, pruritus, swelling, or recurrent infection. Treatment course ranged from 109 to 1424 days with median of 622 days. No major side effects were reported. Eighty-six percent of patients (n = 20) had subjective or objective improvement of cutaneous lesions. Lymphatic blebbing complications improved in 90% (n = 17) of individuals. Eighty-two percent (n = 14) of patients not receiving concurrent systemic sirolimus demonstrated improvement with topical therapy. One patient electively stopped treatment due to pruritus and burning sensation.. Topical sirolimus appears to be a beneficial therapy for lymphatic blebbing associated with lymphatic malformations or mixed malformations with a lymphatic component, although benefit in other VA remains unclear. Topical sirolimus was well-tolerated with minimal side effects.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Skin Diseases; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Systemic sirolimus (rapamycin) has recently been found effective in treating complex vascular anomalies by reducing the size and associated complications. Many vascular anomalies have a cutaneous component, and thus, we sought to determine whether topical administration of sirolimus may be an effective therapy, as data on the use of topical sirolimus are limited.. We reviewed the efficacy and tolerability of topical formulations of sirolimus in the treatment of various simple and combined vascular malformations and tumors.. Eighteen patients with any vascular anomaly treated exclusively with topical sirolimus were retrospectively reviewed.. Eleven patients had combined venous lymphatic malformations, three had tufted angiomas, two had a lymphatic malformation, one had a venous malformation, and one had a verrucous venous malformation. All (100%) patients reported some degree of improvement and 50% of patients reported marked improvement in one or more symptoms, most commonly blebs and lymphatic drainage, and bleeding.. The retrospective nature, small number of patients, and differences in topical preparations limit the broad application of the results.. Topical sirolimus appears to be a safe and useful non-invasive therapy that is well-tolerated in the treatment of the cutaneous portion of a variety of vascular anomalies.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Lymphatic malformations are common congenital vascular lesions. Neither surgical resection nor other surgical treatments have been found to be effective for invasive cases. Recent research has suggested that sirolimus is effective in treating complex lymphatic malformations (LMs). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral sirolimus for children living with LMs in our hospital.. During the follow-up period, blood, liver and kidney function as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation was regularly reviewed in all 56 children. Enhanced MRI was regularly performed to evaluate therapeutic effects. Total effective rate (complete response or partial response) of LMs was 89.3% (50/56). No serious adverse reactions were found.. This study suggests that sirolimus is effective and tolerable for decreasing lesions in children with complex LMs, leading to fewer and more tolerable side effects. There is no need to pursue an excision rate to reduce unnecessary operative complications since adjuvant sirolimus therapy modifies the complex LMs clinical appearance and alleviates their symptoms.. Clinical research.. Level IV.

Topics: Child; China; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Sirolimus mTOR inhibitor represents a major advance in the treatment of patients with complicated vascular abnormalities. The objective of this study was to present our series of pediatric patients with vascular abnormalities treated with oral sirolimus, and to conduct a review of the relevant literature.. A retrospective analysis of patients with complicated vascular abnormalities treated with oral sirolimus in our healthcare facility from 2016 was carried out. Initial dosage was 0.8 mg/m2 every 12 hours, and therapeutic range was 5-15 ng/ml. All patients received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis.. 6 children -3 boys and 3 girls- with a mean age of 9.5 years at treatment initiation were included. 3 of them had head and neck lymphatic malformation, 2 had lower limb venous malformation, and 1 had combined lymphatic-venous malformation at the thoracoabdominal level. They all had received multiple previous treatments without improvement. Following sirolimus initiation, 5 patients had clinical improvement (mean time: 3.6 months) and 4 had radiological improvement (mean time: 6.6 months). Mild and transitory adverse effects were noted in the 3 cases. Today, 5 patients remain under treatment.. Oral sirolimus is an effective and safe treatment in patients with complicated vascular abnormalities. Our results support sirolimus use in lymphatic and venous malformations in which previous treatments have failed, with a good symptomatic and, to a lesser extent, radiological response.. El uso del inhibidor mTOR sirolimus ha supuesto un avance en el tratamiento de pacientes con anomalías vasculares complicadas. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar nuestra serie de pacientes pediátricos con anomalías vasculares tratados con sirolimus oral y hacer una revisión de la literatura al respecto.. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de los pacientes con anomalías vasculares complicadas tratados con sirolimus oral en nuestro centro desde el año 2016. La dosis inicial utilizada fue de 0,8 mg/m2 cada 12 horas y el rango terapéutico de 5-15 ng/ml. Todos los pacientes recibieron profilaxis con trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol.. Se incluyeron seis niños, tres varones y tres mujeres, con una edad media al inicio del tratamiento de 9,5 años. Tres presentaban una malformación linfática en cabeza y cuello, dos una malformación venosa en miembro inferior y la última una malformación combinada linfática-venosa a nivel toracoabdominal. Todos habían recibido múltiples tratamientos previos sin mejoría. Tras el inicio de sirolimus, cinco pacientes mejoraron clínicamente (tiempo medio 3,6 meses) y cuatro radiológicamente (tiempo medio 6,6 meses). Se registraron efectos adversos leves y transitorios en tres casos. Actualmente, cinco pacientes continúan con el tratamiento.. El sirolimus oral es un tratamiento eficaz y seguro en pacientes con anomalías vasculares complicadas. Nuestros resultados apoyan su uso en malformaciones linfáticas y venosas en las que han fracasado otros tratamientos, presentando buenas respuestas sintomáticas y, en menor medida, radiológicas.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

The pathophysiologic of vascular malformations is still unclear, and the treatment of vascular malformations is a challenge. With improvement in the understanding of pathogenesis of vascular malformations, sirolimus has been a promising and effective treatment. As so far, there is absent convincing evidence to confirm the efficacy of sirolimus for vascular malformations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sirolimus in the treatment of vascular malformations.. The literatures about the management of vascular malformations with sirolimus would be searched from databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.org., Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine Database (CBM), Wan Fang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), and VIP Science Technology Periodical Database. We will search each database from inception or 1995 to August 20, 2020. Two researchers worked independently on literature selection, data extraction and quality assessment. The efficacy and safety of sirolimus in the treatment of vascular malformations were the main outcomes. Adverse events after sirolimus were evaluated as the secondary outcomes. The included studies will be analyzed by Review Manager 5.3. If the results are applicable, meta-analysis would also be performed.. The study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in the treatment of vascular malformations based on current evidence.. The conclusion of this study will provide more reliable, evidence-based data for the use of sirolimus in the treatment of vascular malformations.. CRD42020167881.

Topics: Data Management; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Research Design; Safety; Sirolimus; Systematic Review as Topic; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

CLOVES syndrome is characterized by lipomatous overgrowth associated with vascular malforma tions, representing a diagnostic and a therapeutic challenge. Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, has proved to be a good therapeutic option in some vascular anomalies. In this article, we report two ca ses of CLOVES syndrome with good response to oral rapamycin treatment.. To report the outcome of two patients with CLOVES syndrome treated with oral rapamycin.. Case 1: A three-year-old female preschooler with CLOVES syndrome and history of repeated hospita lizations due to severe infections resulting from macrocystic lymphatic malformations and due to thrombotic episodes. The patient evolved with poor quality of life, multiple hospitalizations, surgical risk and progression of the lesions, therefore, oral rapamycin was indicated. After six months of treatment, clinical and radiological reduction in the size of the lipomatous and lymphatic masses, cutaneous lymphorrhea absence and a significant improvement of her quality of life were observed, without requiring new hospitalizations. Case 2: a ten-year-old female schooler with CLOVES syndro me, who developed scoliosis and deterioration of her motor skills, becoming wheelchair-dependent. Oral rapamycin was indicated, showing improvement in her physical capacity, independence and au tonomy, and absence of lymphorrhea after four months of treatment.. We propose oral rapamycin for the treatment of patients with CLOVES syndrome who present with complications and deterioration in the quality of life as a result of the disease.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Lipoma; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Nevus; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Topics: Cohort Studies; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Humans; Infant; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Sirolimus; Skin Diseases, Vascular; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations; Veins; Warts

Objective- Venous malformations (VMs) arise from developmental defects of the vasculature and are characterized by massively enlarged and tortuous venous channels. VMs grow commensurately leading to deformity, obstruction of vital structures, bleeding, and pain. Most VMs are associated with the activating mutation L914F in the endothelial cell (EC) tyrosine kinase receptor TIE2. Therapeutic options for VM are limited and ineffective while therapy with the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor rapamycin shows moderate efficacy. Here, we investigated novel therapeutic targets promoting VM regression. Approach and Results- We performed an unbiased screen of Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs in human umbilical vein ECs expressing the TIE2-L914F mutation (HUVEC-TIE2-L914F). Three ABL (Abelson) kinase inhibitors prevented cell proliferation of HUVEC-TIE2-L914F. Moreover, c-ABL, common target of these inhibitors, was highly phosphorylated in HUVEC-TIE2-L914F and VM patient-derived ECs with activating TIE2 mutations. Knockdown of c-ABL/ARG in HUVEC-TIE2-L914F reduced cell proliferation and vascularity of murine VM. Combination treatment with the ABL kinase inhibitor ponatinib and rapamycin caused VM regression in a xenograft model based on injection of HUVEC-TIE2-L914F. A reduced dose of this drug combination was effective in this VM murine model with minimal side effects. The drug combination was antiproliferative, enhanced cell apoptosis and vascular channel regression both in vivo and in a 3-dimensional fibrin gel assay. Conclusions- This is the first report of a combination therapy with ponatinib and rapamycin promoting regression of VM. Mechanistically, the drug combination enhanced AKT inhibition compared with single drug treatment and reduced PLCγ (phospholipase C) and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) activity.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Chemotaxis; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Drug Therapy, Combination; Heterografts; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Imidazoles; Male; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Mice; Mice, Nude; Mutation, Missense; Phospholipase C gamma; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-abl; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Pyridazines; Receptor, TIE-2; Signal Transduction; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

mTOR inhibitors are being used to treat complex vascular anomalies (VA) without response to conventional treatments. We report our results in pediatric patients treated with sirolimus.. Retrospective review of patients treated with sirolimus between 2014 and 2017, analyzing vascular anomaly type, treatment response and complications. Treatment protocol included patients with complex vascular anomalies, after signing the informed consent. The initial dose was 0.8 mg/m2/12 h, verifying plasmatic levels. Favorable response was defined both in clinical and radiological terms.. Sirolimus was employed in nine patients, median age 14 months old (1 month-14 years), 66% girls. Five complex micro-cystic lymphatic malformations (LM), one multifocal lynphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia, one kaposiform lymphangiomatosis, one lymphatic-venous malformation and one kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) were treated. Median treatment was 4 months (IQR 2-18 months). Resolution or improvement was objectified in four patients (44%). KHE patient presented complete resolution after two months of treatment. Two patients with micro-cystic LM and the one with lymphatic-venous malformation improved after a median treatment of three months. Two patients presented rebound effect after discontinuing treatment. Three patients had hypertransaminasemia and hypercholesterolemia without requiring medical treatment.. Sirolimus presented mild effects for treatment of complex VA in our study, but was highly resolutive at KHE.. Los inhibidores mTOR se están utilizando para el tratamiento de anomalías vasculares (AV) complejas sin respuesta a tratamientos convencionales. Presentamos nuestros resultados en pacientes pediátricos tratados con sirolimus.. Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes tratados con Sirolimus, entre 2014 y 2017, describiendo el tipo de anomalía vascular, respuesta al tratamiento y complicaciones derivadas de su empleo. Se incluyeron pacientes con anomalías vasculares complejas, tras firma del consentimiento informado y con dosis inicial de 0,8 mg/m2/12 horas, monitorizando niveles plasmáticos. Se definió respuesta favorable tanto en términos clínicos como radiológicos.. Recibieron sirolimus 9 pacientes, mediana de edad de 14 meses (RIQ: 1 mes-14 años). El 66% fueron niñas. Se trataron 5 malformaciones linfáticas (ML) microquísticas complejas (en algunas como coadyuvante a otros tratamientos), 1 linfangioendoteliomatosis multifocal con trombopenia, 1 linfangiomatosis kaposiforme, 1 malformación mixta veno-linfática, 1 hemangioendotelioma kaposiforme (HEK). Mediana de tratamiento: 4 meses (2-18 meses). En 6 pacientes (66%) se objetivó resolución o mejoría de las lesiones. El paciente con HEK mostró resolución completa tras 2 meses de tratamiento. En dos pacientes con ML microquística y en el paciente con malformación mixta, se apreció mejoría clínica y disminución del tamaño de las lesiones tras una mediana de tratamiento de 3 meses. Se apreció efecto rebote en dos ML al suspender el tratamiento. Tres pacientes presentaron hipertransaminasemia e hipercolesterolemia, sin precisar tratamiento médico.. En nuestro estudio, objetivamos que el sirolimus tuvo una eficacia moderada en el tratamiento de AV complejas, pero fue resolutivo en el HEK.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Lymphatic anomalies (LAs) include several disorders in which abnormal lymphatic tissue invades the neck, chest, and various organs. Progressive cases may result in lethal outcomes and have proven difficult to treat. Sirolimus is showing promising results in the management of vascular anomalies. We examined the efficacy and safety of sirolimus treatment in patients with progressive LAs.. All patients with LAs treated with sirolimus from May 2015 to September 2018 were included. They received oral sirolimus once a day and the dose was adjusted so that the trough concentration remained within 5-15 ng/mL. We prospectively reviewed the response to drugs (the response rate of radiological volumetric change of the target lesion), severity scores, reported quality of life (QOL), and adverse effects at 6 months after administration.. Twenty patients (five with cystic lymphatic malformation (LM), three with kaposiform lymphangiomatosis, three with generalized lymphatic anomaly, six with Gorham-Stout disease, and three with central conducting lymphatic anomaly) were treated with sirolimus at our institution. Fifty percent of patients (10/20) demonstrated a partial response by a radiological examination and a significant improvement in disease severity and QOL scores (P = 0.0020 and P = 0.0117, respectively). Ten patients who had no reduction in lesion size (stable disease group) showed no significant improvement in disease severity and QOL scores. Eighty percent of patients (16/20) had side effects, such as stomatitis, infection, and hyperlipidemia.. Sirolimus impacts the reduction of the lymphatic tissue volume of LMs and could lead to improvement in clinical symptoms and QOL.. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000016580 . Registered 19 February 2015.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Male; Middle Aged; Osteolysis, Essential; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Stagnant blood flow present in slow-flow vascular malformations can lead to localized intravascular coagulopathy (LIC), measured by elevated D-dimer levels, low fibrinogen, and/or thrombocytopenia. LIC can lead to localized thrombosis and/or bleeding, resulting in pain, swelling, and functional limitations. Patients with complex vascular malformations treated with sirolimus show clinical improvement in these symptoms. We hypothesized that the clinical benefits of sirolimus may correlate with improvements in coexisting LIC.. A retrospective chart review was performed, including D-dimer, fibrinogen, and platelet count, in patients with slow-flow vascular malformations treated with sirolimus. Laboratory values were assessed at three time points (presirolimus, 1-3 months postsirolimus, and last clinic visit). Clinical response, as defined by decreased pain and swelling, was extracted from the record.. Thirty-five patients at our vascular anomalies center had been prescribed sirolimus between 2014 and 2017. Fifteen patients (12 combined slow-flow vascular malformations and three pure venous malformations) remained after excluding patients that did not have adequate records or a venous component to their vascular malformation. Patients who did not adhere to the treatment were also excluded. All 15 had elevated D-dimer levels prior to treatment and there was a statistically significant decrease in D-dimer levels following treatment with sirolimus. Symptomatic improvement of pain and swelling was reported after 3 months of starting sirolimus in 13/15 patients.. This study suggests that sirolimus improves coagulopathy in slow-flow vascular malformations, as evidenced by reduced D-dimer levels. Improvement in LIC symptoms also correlates with sirolimus-corrected coagulopathy.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Blood Coagulation Disorders; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare, severe, sporadically occurring disorder characterized by multiple venous malformations.. To present and analyze a case series of pediatric patients with BRBNS and to describe diagnostic approaches and management options applied.. Multicenter, retrospective study, evaluating the diagnosis and management of children with BRBNS.. Eighteen patients diagnosed with BRBNS were included. Cutaneous venous malformations were observed in 78% and gastrointestinal venous malformations in 89%. Lesions were also found in other organs including muscles, joints, central nervous system, eyes, parotid gland, spine, kidneys and lungs. Gastrointestinal lesions were more common in the small intestine than in stomach or colon. The management varied significantly among centers. Endoscopic therapy and surgical therapy alone failed to prevent recurrence of lesions. In younger children and in patients with musculoskeletal or other organ involvement, sirolimus was used with 100% success rate in our series (5 patients treated) although poor compliance with subtherapeutic sirolimus trough levels led to recurrence in a minority.. Considering the multi-organ involvement in BRBNS, diagnosis and management requires a multidisciplinary approach. The treatment includes conservative, medical, endoscopic and surgical options. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to identify the optimal management of this rare condition.

Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Endoscopy, Digestive System; Female; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Humans; Infant; Interdisciplinary Communication; Male; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Nevus, Blue; Retrospective Studies; Sclerotherapy; Sirolimus; Skin Neoplasms; Vascular Malformations

Neonates with vascular anomalies causing airway compromise and other complications require early initiation of medical therapy. Sirolimus has emerged as a safe and effective treatment, but standard recommendations for dosing start at seven months. Guidelines are needed for dosing in very young infants, who have reduced hepatic metabolism of sirolimus. We present our experience treating six neonates (mean age 14.8 days) with complicated vascular anomalies. Standard dosing caused supratherapeutic levels in this population. Our modified dosing regimen has resulted in safe therapeutic concentrations. Properly dosed, sirolimus is a viable and potentially lifesaving option for neonates with severe morbidity from vascular anomalies.

Topics: Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

A patient with extensive multisystem overgrowth caused by a somatic gain of function PIK3CA-mutation is described. This case is an example of the clinical diversity of the PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum (PROS) as the patient had overlapping features of Congenital Lipomatous Overgrowth Vascular malformations Epidermal nevi and Skeletal abnormalities (CLOVES) syndrome and Megalencephaly-Capillary malformation Polymicrogyria (MCAP) syndrome and underlines the utility of this umbrella term.

Topics: Abnormalities, Multiple; Base Sequence; Bronchodilator Agents; Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Diagnosis, Differential; Enteral Nutrition; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant, Newborn; Lipoma; Male; Megalencephaly; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Mutation; Nevus; Phenotype; Respiration, Artificial; Sirolimus; Skin Diseases, Vascular; Telangiectasis; Vascular Malformations

Superficial vascular anomalies constitute a large group of malformative and tumoral conditions developed from all types of vessels. Vascular tumors are the result of cellular hyperplasia, whereas vascular malformations (VMs) are constituted of dysplastic vessels. The classification from International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) is based on this pathogenic difference. The most common vascular tumor is infantile hemangioma, which treatment, when necessary, is propranolol. Congenital hemangiomas and tumors that might be complicated with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, i.e. deep thrombocytopenia, are much rarer. Management of Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon is now largely based on sirolimus. Low-flow VMs include capillary, venous and lymphatic malformations; arteriovenous malformations are high-flow malformations. These different types of VMs might be combined. Currently, there is an increasing work in delineating the different entities based on molecular findings. Treatment of VMs depends on the impairment linked to them, and is decided case by case, in pluridisciplinary consultations. Interventional treatments, especially surgery and sclerotherapy, are usually partially efficient, and management of patients with VMs increasingly involves medical drugs. First-line treatment of coagulation disorders associated with venous malformations is based on low molecular weight heparin; sirolimus seems efficient in hemorrhagic complications refractory to usual treatment. Sirolimus is about to become the standard treatment in painful inflammatory manifestations of mixed and/or complicated lymphatic malformations.

Topics: Adolescent; Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; Arteriovenous Malformations; Child; Child, Preschool; Hemangioma; Humans; Infant; Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome; Neoplasms, Vascular Tissue; Propranolol; Rare Diseases; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations; Vasodilator Agents

Topics: Administration, Topical; Capillaries; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Humans; Laser Therapy; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Efficacy of topical sirolimus has recently been described in lymphatic anomalies but not in other types of vascular anomalies. To our knowledge, systemic absorption of topical sirolimus in these lesions has not yet been reported. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerance, and absorption of topical sirolimus 0.1% with different types of vascular anomalies in children.. Sirolimus 0.1% was applied on cutaneous vascular anomalies in six children aged 2-17. These anomalies consisted of three extratruncular micro- and macrocystic lymphatic malformations and one each verrucous venous malformation, truncular lymphatic malformation with angiokeratomas, and infantile hemangioma. Sirolimus blood levels were measured after 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.. A rapid decrease in the size of superficial lymphatic malformations in three of six patients and a significant decrease in discharge from oozing lesions were observed. Response occurred in less than 3 months. The truncular lymphatic malformation, verrucous venous malformation, and infantile hemangioma did not respond to topical sirolimus. Sirolimus levels were undetectable. Adverse effects were limited to local irritation.. Topical sirolimus 0.1% is a useful treatment for cutaneous manifestations of extratruncular lymphatic malformations. The only adverse effect is local irritation. No systemic effects are expected, because blood levels are clinically insignificant.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Male; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Sirolimus has emerged as a promising treatment for complex congenital vascular malformations but is limited because of systemic side effects. Topically compounded formulations, which have been found to be successful in the treatment of several other conditions, are a preferred drug delivery system to provide local therapy. We report a case of a venolymphatic malformation in an adolescent girl treated with topical 1% sirolimus cream leading to improvement in appearance and associated symptoms.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Extensive and complex vascular malformations often cause chronic pain and severe functional restraint. Conventional treatments, such as surgery and/or sclerotherapy, are rarely curative, underscoring the great need for new therapeutic modalities. Recent preclinical and clinical data demonstrated that sirolimus could offset the progression of vascular malformations and significantly improve quality of life of patients through inhibition of the Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the efficacy and safety of this treatment in patients with extensive or complex slow-flow vascular malformations.. Sirolimus was administered orally on a continuous dosing schedule with pharmacokinetic-guided target serum concentration level of 10 to 15 ng/ml. Patients were seen every month for the first three months and subsequently every three months. The primary endpoints were safety and efficacy, based on clinical, biological and radiological evaluations, as well as a quality of life questionnaire.. Nineteen patients, from 3 to 64 years old, with lymphatic (LM), venous (VM) or complex slow-flow malformations, refractory to standard care, were enrolled and received sirolimus continuously. After 12 months of follow-up, 16 patients were available for assessment of efficacy and safety: all had a significant and rapid improvement of their symptoms and quality of life. In two patients, sirolimus treatment permitted sclerotherapy and surgery, initially evaluated unfeasible. Sirolimus was well tolerated, with mucositis as the most common (10% of patients) grade 3 adverse event.. Sirolimus was efficient in extensive LM, VM and/or complex malformations that were refractory to conventional treatments and was well tolerated.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Middle Aged; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Microcystic lymphatic malformations (MLM) are low-flow vascular malformations composed of multiple small cysts. MLM usually affect deep-lying structures, which makes their treatment even more difficult and complex. A novel and interesting treatment is rapamycin, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor that when orally administrated has offered favorable results. However, until recently, topical rapamycin had not been used in the treatment of MLM. Case 1 is a girl aged 13 years with extensive MLM affecting the muscles in the right buttock. The patient had received frequent cycles of cryotherapy, but they had failed to control the associated symptoms. In the previous 12 months, the patient had reported greater discomfort, swelling, exudate, and superinfection of the affected region. Because no specific treatment has yet been approved for MLM, and as a step before the use of aggressive systemic or intralesional treatments, it was decided to initiate treatment with 1% rapamycin ointment. After 4 months of treatment, the patient presented a marked improvement, with a significant reduction of associated complications and no major side effects. Case 2 is a boy aged 5 years who underwent surgery for an intergluteal lipoblastoma at 3 weeks of life and developed a MLM on the scar 6 months afterward. The lesion showed slow growth and continuous exudation with frequent episodes of superinfection. Treatments with laser multiplex and intralesional bleomycin were performed unsuccessfully. In the previous 4 months, the patient had been treated with 1% rapamycin ointment with significant improvement and no side effects.

Topics: Adolescent; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Injections, Intralesional; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Male; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Vascular anomalies (VAs) result from the defective development of the embryonic vascular system and feature dysplastic malformed vessels, which are not always apparent at birth. They do not regress over the patient's lifetime; they usually have commensurate growth during childhood and may worsen over time if not treated. VAs may cause chronic painful swelling, bleeding, functional deficits or vital structure obstruction. These patients' quality of life is usually impaired because of the chronicity and recurrence of the disease. We report on six cases of complicated VAs, refractory to current treatments, treated with rapamycin, an mTor inhibitor recently used in VAs.

Topics: Adolescent; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Sirolimus; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Fibroadipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a rare, complex mesenchymal malformation combining fibrofatty replacement of the affected muscles and slow-flow vascular malformation. The condition is characterized by localized swelling, severe pain, phlebectasia, and contracture of the affected limb. Treatment paradigms are not well established for this rare, recently recognized condition. We report two cases of FAVA in which treatment with sirolimus produced rapid, dramatic improvement in pain and quality of life.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Female; Foot; Forearm; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Muscle, Skeletal; Pain; Pain Management; Quality of Life; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Management of complex vascular malformation represents a challenge as it may include a wide variety of options such as embolization, laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgical resection but may lead to significant morbidity and is associated with high recurrence rates. In extreme and/or recurrent cases, successful use of sirolimus has been described. We report a case of large unresectable complex venous malformation treated with oral sirolimus for 24 months. Therapy was well tolerated. Patient had substantial improvement in symptoms and shrinkage of the lesion. The Medical Therapy made excision of the malformation possible and patient had a successful surgical procedure. This report provides further evidence that sirolimus should be considered as part of the armamentarium in the management of these rare conditions.

Topics: Female; Humans; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Salvage Therapy; Sirolimus; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations; Young Adult

Venous malformations (VMs) are painful and deforming vascular lesions composed of dilated vascular channels, which are present from birth. Mutations in the TEK gene, encoding the tyrosine kinase receptor TIE2, are found in about half of sporadic (nonfamilial) VMs, and the causes of the remaining cases are unknown. Sclerotherapy, widely accepted as first-line treatment, is not fully efficient, and targeted therapy for this disease remains underexplored. We have generated a mouse model that faithfully mirrors human VM through mosaic expression of Pik3ca(H1047R), a constitutively active mutant of the p110α isoform of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), in the embryonic mesoderm. Endothelial expression of Pik3ca(H1047R)resulted in endothelial cell (EC) hyperproliferation, reduction in pericyte coverage of blood vessels, and decreased expression of arteriovenous specification markers. PI3K pathway inhibition with rapamycin normalized EC hyperproliferation and pericyte coverage in postnatal retinas and stimulated VM regression in vivo. In line with the mouse data, we also report the presence of activating PIK3CA mutations in human VMs, mutually exclusive with TEK mutations. Our data demonstrate a causal relationship between activating Pik3ca mutations and the genesis of VMs, provide a genetic model that faithfully mirrors the normal etiology and development of this human disease, and establish the basis for the use of PI3K-targeted therapies in VMs.

Topics: Animals; Cell Proliferation; Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Endothelial Cells; Humans; Mesoderm; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mosaicism; Mutation; Pericytes; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Receptor, TIE-2; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Vascular malformations (VMs) are described as congenital malformations of the vasculature derived from capillaries, veins, lymphatic vessels, arteries, or a combination of these vessels. They can cause significant morbidity resulting from soft tissue hypertrophy-related disfiguration, bony abnormalities, and even organ compromise. They are usually treated with various interventional procedures to achieve local control; however, the chance of success decreases as the anatomical distribution of the malformation widens. Unfortunately, medical treatment options have been quite limited in these patients. Sirolimus is an antiangiogenetic and antiproliferative pharmacologic agent that has been used for the management of VM in the last decade. We report 6 pediatric patients (4 with capillary lymphaticovenous malformations, 1 with lymphaticovenous malformation, and 1 with venous malformation) seen at our clinic within the last 2 years with lesions covering wide anatomical areas. After the patients had unsuccessfully undergone various treatments at various centers, they were treated at our facility with peroral sirolimus. The mean duration of treatment was 13 months, but in 3 patients, tapered dosing continues. Five patients achieved partial responses. The response to sirolimus treatment increased as the lymphatic component of the VM increased. All patients tolerated sirolimus well; side effects were acceptable. Sirolimus is a safe and effective medical treatment for widely distributed VMs with significant lymphatic components and no further local treatment option.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Male; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

The aim of the present case report was to investigate the effects of a physiotherapy program combined with sirolimus in a child patient with upper extremity edema and joint limitation due to low-flow vascular malformation. This case report included an 11-year-old male patient (26 kg, 130 cm) diagnosed with congenital lymphovascular malformation on the left and right chest. The patient, who had edema on the upper left extremity and experienced joint limitations, was administered complete decongestive therapy (CDT) and manual therapy in combination with sirolimus. Physiotherapy included a total of 24 sessions, 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks. Following the physiotherapy, the patient was assigned to a home therapy program, and then the maintenance phase of the CDT was initiated. Evaluations were carried out at baseline, at the end of week 8, and after 12 months. Following the physiotherapy program combined with sirolimus, a decrease in extremity volume, an increase in joint movement range, and an improvement in disease-related complaints were observed. Physiotherapy methods combined with sirolimus may be an effective treatment method in patients with vascular malformations. However, further studies with larger sample size are warranted.

Topics: Child; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Physical Therapy Modalities; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Vascular anomalies include a heterogeneous group of disorders that are categorized as vascular tumors or vascular malformations. Treatment options include resection, embolization, laser therapy, and sclerotherapy or medical treatment such as propranolol, steroids, interferon, and cytostatic chemotherapy. Mammalian target of rapamycin seems to play a key role in the signal pathway of angiogenesis and subsequently in the development of vascular anomalies. Recently, the successful use of sirolimus has been reported in children with lymphatic malformations and kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas. We report on six patients with different vascular anomalies (kaposiform hemangioendothelioma n = 2, combined lymphatico-venous malformation n = 2, pulmonary lymphangiectasia n = 1, and orbital lymphatic malformation n = 1) who were treated with peroral sirolimus. Three of the children initially presented with a Kasabach-Merrit phenomenon. Median duration of treatment was 10 months; two children are still on treatment. Three children each achieved complete and partial remission. Kasabach-Merrit phenomenon resolved within 1 month in all patients. Treatment with sirolimus was tolerated well; only mild reversible leukopenia was observed.. Sirolimus proved to be effective in children with complicated lymphatic or lymphatico-venous malformations and kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas. Treatment was tolerated well with acceptable side effects. The optimum length of treatment and possible long-term side effects have to be evaluated.. • Vascular anomalies including vascular tumors and vascular malformations may lead to life-threatening conditions.• Some patients are refractory to established treatment and/or are not available for local invasive procedures.. • We reviewed the literature focusing treatment of vascular anomalies inc hildren and adolescents.• Our data support recent studies that sirolimus is an effective treatment option in patients with complicated vascular tumors andmalformations

Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Management of patients with complex vascular anomalies (VAs) is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality because of the lack of effective treatment modalities that may lead to significant improvement of the disease and/or healing. Recently, reports of treatment of patients with complex VAs with sirolimus revealed encouraging results. Sirolimus inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin, which acts as a master switch of numerous cellular processes. We report a successful use of sirolimus for the treatment of a patient with a complex CLVM of the trunk and the right lower extremity believed to be untreatable. Our patient had 44 hospitalizations during the 10-year period, with various unsuccessful treatments and continuous deterioration of his clinical condition, ending up in a wheelchair. His condition reversed to normal everyday activities 9 months after initiation of sirolimus therapy. We conclude that sirolimus is a very promising therapeutic option for children with complex VAs of capillary-lymphatico-venous type.

Topics: Abnormalities, Multiple; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Lymphatic Vessels; Male; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations; Veins

Topics: Capillaries; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lasers, Dye; Male; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Topics: Capillaries; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lasers, Dye; Male; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations

Vascular anomalies comprise a diverse group of diagnoses. While infantile hemangiomas are common, the majority of these conditions are quite rare and have not been widely studied. Some of these lesions, though benign, can impair vital structures, be deforming, or even become life-threatening. Vascular tumors such as kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas (KHE) and complicated vascular malformations have proven particularly difficult to treat.. Here we retrospectively evaluate a series of six patients with complicated, life-threatening vascular anomalies who were treated with the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus for compassionate use at two centers after failing multiple other therapies.. These patients showed significant improvement in clinical status with tolerable side effects.. Sirolimus appears to be effective and safe in patients with life-threatening vascular anomalies and represents an important tool in treating these diseases. These findings are currently being further evaluated in a Phase II safety and efficacy trial.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Compassionate Use Trials; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations

Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Sirolimus; Vascular Malformations