everolimus

Everolimus tablets are indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in combination with exemestane, after failure of treatment with letrozole or anastrozole.

Everolimus tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with progressive, well-differentiated, non-functional NET of gastrointestinal (GI) or lung origin with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic disease.

Limitations of Use: Everolimus tablets are not indicated for the treatment of patients with functional carcinoid tumors [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

Everolimus tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with renal angiomyolipoma and TSC, not requiring immediate surgery.

Everolimus tablets are indicated in adult and pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with TSC for the treatment of SEGA that requires therapeutic intervention but cannot be curatively resected.

• Everolimus tablets and AFINITOR DISPERZ are two different dosage forms. Select the recommended dosage form based on the indication [see Indications and Usage (1)]. Do not combine everolimus tablets and AFINITOR DISPERZ to achieve the total dose.
• Modify the dosage for patients with hepatic impairment or for patients taking drugs that inhibit or induce P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and CYP3A4 [see Dosage and Administration (2.10, 2.11, 2.12)].

The recommended dosage of everolimus tablets is 10 mg orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

The recommended dosage of everolimus tablets is 10 mg orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

The recommended dosage of everolimus tablets is 10 mg orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

The recommended starting dosage of everolimus is 4.5 mg/m² orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2.8)].

• Monitor everolimus whole blood trough concentrations at time points recommended in Table 1.
• Titrate the dose to attain trough concentrations of 5 ng/mL to 15 ng/mL.
• Adjust the dose using the following equation:
• New dose* = current dose x (target concentration divided by current concentration)
• *The maximum dose increment at any titration must not exceed 5 mg. Multiple dose titrations may be required to attain the target trough concentration.
• When possible, use the same assay and laboratory for TDM throughout treatment.

Table 2 summarizes recommendations for dosage modifications of everolimus for the management of adverse reactions.

The recommended dosages of everolimus for patients with hepatic impairment are described in Table 3 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]:

• Avoid the concomitant use of P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
• Avoid ingesting grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• Reduce the dose for patients taking everolimus with a P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor as recommended in Table 4 [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

• Avoid concomitant use of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum).
• Increase the dose for patients taking everolimus with a P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducer as recommended in Table 5 [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

• Administer everolimus at the same time each day.
• Administer everolimus consistently either with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
• If a dose of everolimus is missed, it can be administered up to 6 hours after the time it is normally administered. After more than 6 hours, the dose should be skipped for that day. The next day, everolimus should be administered at its usual time. Double doses should not be administered to make up for the dose that was missed.

Non-infectious pneumonitis is a class effect of rapamycin derivatives. Non-infectious pneumonitis was reported in up to 19% of patients treated with everolimus in clinical trials, some cases were reported with pulmonary hypertension (including pulmonary arterial hypertension) as a secondary event. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 non-infectious pneumonitis was up to 4% and up to 0.2%, respectively [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Fatal outcomes have been observed.

Consider a diagnosis of non-infectious pneumonitis in patients presenting with non-specific respiratory signs and symptoms. Consider opportunistic infections, such as pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) in the differential diagnosis. Advise patients to report promptly any new or worsening respiratory symptoms.

Continue everolimus without dose alteration in patients who develop radiological changes suggestive of non-infectious pneumonitis and have few or no symptoms. Imaging appears to overestimate the incidence of clinical pneumonitis.

For Grade 2 to 4 non-infectious pneumonitis, withhold or permanently discontinue everolimus based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)]. Corticosteroids may be indicated until clinical symptoms resolve. Administer prophylaxis for PJP when concomitant use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents are required. The development of pneumonitis has been reported even at a reduced dose.

Everolimus has immunosuppressive properties and may predispose patients to bacterial, fungal, viral, or protozoal infections, including infections with opportunistic pathogens [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Localized and systemic infections, including pneumonia, mycobacterial infections, other bacterial infections, invasive fungal infections (e.g., aspergillosis, candidiasis, or PJP), and viral infections (e.g., reactivation of hepatitis B virus) have occurred. Some of these infections have been severe (e.g., sepsis, septic shock, or resulting in multisystem organ failure) or fatal. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 infections was up to 10% and up to 3%, respectively. The incidence of serious infections was reported at a higher frequency in patients < 6 years of age [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Complete treatment of preexisting invasive fungal infections prior to starting treatment. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection. Withhold or permanently discontinue everolimus based on severity of infection [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)].

Administer prophylaxis for PJP when concomitant use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents are required.

Hypersensitivity reactions to everolimus have been observed and include anaphylaxis, dyspnea, flushing, chest pain, and angioedema (e.g., swelling of the airways or tongue, with or without respiratory impairment) [see Contraindications (4)]. The incidence of Grade 3 hypersensitivity reactions was up to 1%. Permanently discontinue everolimus for the development of clinically significant hypersensitivity.

Patients taking concomitant ACE inhibitors with everolimus may be at increased risk for angioedema (e.g., swelling of the airways or tongue, with or without respiratory impairment). In a pooled analysis of randomized double-blind oncology clinical trials, the incidence of angioedema in patients taking everolimus with an ACE inhibitor was 6.8% compared to 1.3% in the control arm with an ACE inhibitor. Permanently discontinue everolimus for angioedema.

Stomatitis, including mouth ulcers and oral mucositis, has occurred in patients treated with everolimus at an incidence ranging from 44% to 78% across clinical trials. Grades 3-4 stomatitis was reported in 4% to 9% of patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Stomatitis most often occurs within the first 8 weeks of treatment. When starting everolimus, initiating dexamethasone alcohol-free oral solution as a swish and spit mouthwash reduces the incidence and severity of stomatitis [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. If stomatitis does occur, mouthwashes and/or other topical treatments are recommended. Avoid alcohol-, hydrogen peroxide-, iodine-, or thyme- containing products, as they may exacerbate the condition. Do not administer antifungal agents, unless fungal infection has been diagnosed.

Cases of renal failure (including acute renal failure), some with a fatal outcome, have occurred in patients taking everolimus. Elevations of serum creatinine and proteinuria have been reported in patients taking everolimus [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 elevations of serum creatinine was up to 2% and up to 1%, respectively. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 proteinuria was up to 1% and up to 0.5%, respectively. Monitor renal function prior to starting everolimus and annually thereafter. Monitor renal function at least every 6 months in patients who have additional risk factors for renal failure.

Impaired wound healing can occur in patients who receive drugs that inhibit the VEGF signaling pathway. Therefore, everolimus has the potential to adversely affect wound healing.

Withhold everolimus for at least 1 week prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of treatment upon resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.

In the randomized hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer study (BOLERO-2), the incidence of deaths due to any cause within 28 days of the last everolimus dose was 6% in patients ≥ 65 years of age compared to 2% in patients < 65 years of age. Adverse reactions leading to permanent treatment discontinuation occurred in 33% of patients ≥ 65 years of age compared to 17% in patients < 65 years of age. Careful monitoring and appropriate dose adjustments for adverse reactions are recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.9), Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia have been reported in patients taking everolimus at an incidence up to 75%, 86%, and 73%, respectively. The incidence of these Grade 3 and 4 laboratory abnormalities was up to 15% and up to 0.4%, respectively [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. In non-diabetic patients, monitor fasting serum glucose prior to starting everolimus and annually thereafter. In diabetic patients, monitor fasting serum glucose more frequently as clinically indicated. Monitor lipid profile prior to starting everolimus and annually thereafter. When possible, achieve optimal glucose and lipid control prior to starting everolimus. For Grade 3 to 4 metabolic events, withhold or permanently discontinue everolimus based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)].

Anemia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia have been reported in patients taking everolimus. The incidence of these Grade 3 and 4 laboratory abnormalities was up to 16% and up to 2%, respectively [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Monitor complete blood count (CBC) prior to starting everolimus every 6 months for the first year of treatment and annually thereafter. Withhold or permanently discontinue everolimus based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)].

The safety of immunization with live vaccines during everolimus therapy has not been studied. Due to the potential increased risk of infection, avoid the use of live vaccines and close contact with individuals who have received live vaccines during treatment with everolimus. Due to the potential increased risk of infection or reduced immune response with vaccination, complete the recommended childhood series of vaccinations according to American Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines prior to the start of therapy. An accelerated vaccination schedule may be appropriate.

Radiation sensitization and recall, in some cases severe, involving cutaneous and visceral organs (including radiation esophagitis and pneumonitis) have been reported in patients treated with radiation prior to, during, or subsequent to everolimus treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Monitor patients closely when everolimus is administered during or sequentially with radiation treatment.

Based on animal studies and the mechanism of action, everolimus can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal studies, everolimus caused embryo-fetal toxicities in rats when administered during the period of organogenesis at maternal exposures that were lower than human exposures at the clinical dose of 10 mg once daily. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to avoid becoming pregnant and to use effective contraception during treatment with everolimus and for 8 weeks after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with everolimus and for 4 weeks after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed cannot be directly compared to rates in other trials and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of everolimus. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure:

• Blood and Lymphatic Disorders: Thrombotic microangiopathy
• Cardiac: Cardiac failure with some cases reported with pulmonary hypertension (including pulmonary arterial hypertension) as a secondary event
• Gastrointestinal: Acute pancreatitis
• Hepatobiliary: Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis
• Infections: Sepsis and septic shock
• Nervous System: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
• Vascular: Arterial thrombotic events, lymphedema
• Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications: Radiation Sensitization and Radiation Recall

Patients taking concomitant ACE inhibitors with everolimus may be at increased risk for angioedema. Avoid the concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with everolimus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

In BOLERO-2, 40% of patients with breast cancer treated with everolimus were ≥ 65 years of age, while 15% were ≥ 75 years of age. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients. The incidence of deaths due to any cause within 28 days of the last everolimus dose was 6% in patients ≥ 65 years of age compared to 2% in patients < 65 years of age. Adverse reactions leading to permanent treatment discontinuation occurred in 33% of patients ≥ 65 years of age compared to 17% in patients < 65 years of age.

Everolimus exposure may increase in patients with hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

For patients with breast cancer, NET, and TSC-associated renal angiomyolipoma who have hepatic impairment, reduce the everolimus dose as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.10)].

For patients with TSC-associated SEGA who have severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C), reduce the starting dose of everolimus as recommended and adjust the dose based on everolimus trough concentrations [see Dosage and Administration (2.8, 2.10)].

Everolimus is an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine-threonine kinase, downstream of the PI3K/AKT pathway. The mTOR pathway is dysregulated in several human cancers and in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Everolimus binds to an intracellular protein, FKBP-12, resulting in an inhibitory complex formation with mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and thus inhibition of mTOR kinase activity. Everolimus reduced the activity of S6 ribosomal protein kinase (S6K1) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein (4E-BP1), downstream effectors of mTOR, involved in protein synthesis. S6K1 is a substrate of mTORC1 and phosphorylates the activation domain 1 of the estrogen receptor which results in ligand-independent activation of the receptor. In addition, everolimus inhibited the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (e.g., HIF-1) and reduced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Inhibition of mTOR by everolimus has been shown to reduce cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and glucose uptake in in vitro and/or in vivo studies.

Constitutive activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway can contribute to endocrine resistance in breast cancer. In vitro studies show that estrogen-dependent and HER2+ breast cancer cells are sensitive to the inhibitory effects of everolimus, and that combination treatment with everolimus and Akt, HER2, or aromatase inhibitors enhances the anti-tumor activity of everolimus in a synergistic manner.

Two regulators of mTORC1 signaling are the oncogene suppressors tuberin-sclerosis complexes 1 and 2 (TSC1, TSC2). Loss or inactivation of either TSC1 or TSC2 leads to activation of downstream signaling. In TSC, a genetic disorder, inactivating mutations in either the TSC1 or the TSC2 gene lead to hamartoma formation throughout the body as well as seizures and epileptogenesis. Overactivation of mTOR results in neuronal dysplasia, aberrant axonogenesis and dendrite formation, increased excitatory synaptic currents, reduced myelination, and disruption of the cortical laminar structure causing abnormalities in neuronal development and function. Treatment with an mTOR inhibitor in animal models of mTOR dysregulation in the brain resulted in seizure suppression, prevention of the development of new-onset seizures, and prevention of premature death.

Administration of everolimus for up to 2 years did not indicate oncogenic potential in mice and rats up to the highest doses tested (0.9 mg/kg) corresponding, respectively to 3.9 and 0.2 times the estimated human exposure based on AUC at the recommended dose of everolimus 10 mg orally once daily.

Everolimus was not genotoxic in a battery of in vitro assays (Ames mutation test in Salmonella, mutation test in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells, and chromosome aberration assay in V79 Chinese hamster cells). Everolimus was not genotoxic in an in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day (1500 mg/m²/day, approximately 255-fold the recommended dose of everolimus 10 mg orally once daily, and approximately 200-fold the median dose administered to patients with TSC-associated SEGA, based on the BSA), administered as 2 doses, 24 hours apart.

Based on non-clinical findings, everolimus may impair male fertility. In a 13-week male fertility study in rats, testicular morphology was affected at doses of 0.5 mg/kg and above. Sperm motility, sperm count, and plasma testosterone levels were diminished in rats treated with 5 mg/kg. The exposures at these doses (52 ng•hr/mL and 414 ng•hr/mL, respectively) were within the range of human exposure at the recommended dose of everolimus 10 mg orally once daily (560 ng•hr/mL) and resulted in infertility in the rats at 5 mg/kg. Effects on male fertility occurred at AUC_0-24h values 10% to 81% lower than human exposure at the recommended dose of everolimus 10 mg orally once daily. After a 10-13 week non-treatment period, the fertility index increased from zero (infertility) to 60%.

Oral doses of everolimus in female rats at doses ≥ 0.1 mg/kg (approximately 4% the human exposure based on AUC at the recommended dose of everolimus 10 mg orally once daily) resulted in increased incidence of pre-implantation loss, suggesting that the drug may reduce female fertility.

In juvenile rat toxicity studies, dose-related delayed attainment of developmental landmarks, including delayed eye-opening, delayed reproductive development in males and females and increased latency time during the learning and memory phases were observed at doses as low as 0.15 mg/kg/day.

A randomized, double-blind, multicenter study (BOLERO-2, NCT00863655) of everolimus in combination with exemestane vs. placebo in combination with exemestane was conducted in 724 postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer with recurrence or progression following prior therapy with letrozole or anastrozole. Randomization was stratified by documented sensitivity to prior hormonal therapy (yes vs. no) and by the presence of visceral metastasis (yes vs. no). Sensitivity to prior hormonal therapy was defined as either (1) documented clinical benefit (complete response [CR], partial response [PR], stable disease ≥ 24 weeks) to at least one prior hormonal therapy in the advanced setting or (2) at least 24 months of adjuvant hormonal therapy prior to recurrence. Patients were permitted to have received 0-1 prior lines of chemotherapy for advanced disease. The major efficacy outcome measure was progression-free survival (PFS) evaluated by RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors), based on investigator (local radiology) assessment. Other outcome measures included overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR).

Patients were randomized 2:1 to everolimus 10 mg orally once daily in combination with exemestane 25 mg once daily (n = 485) or to placebo in combination with exemestane 25 mg orally once daily (n = 239). The two treatment groups were generally balanced with respect to baseline demographics and disease characteristics. Patients were not permitted to cross over to everolimus at the time of disease progression.

The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in PFS by investigator assessment (Table 20 and Figure 1). The results of the PFS analysis based on independent central radiological assessment were consistent with the investigator assessment. PFS results were also consistent across the subgroups of age, race, presence and extent of visceral metastases, and sensitivity to prior hormonal therapy.

ORR was higher in the everolimus in combination with exemestane arm vs. the placebo in combination with exemestane arm (Table 20). There were 3 complete responses (0.6%) and 58 partial responses (12%) in the everolimus arm. There were no complete responses and 4 partial responses (1.7%) in the placebo in combination with exemestane arm.

After a median follow-up of 39.3 months, there was no statistically significant difference in OS between the everolimus in combination with exemestane arm and the placebo in combination with exemestane arm [HR 0.89 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.10)].

A randomized (2:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (EXIST-2, NCT00790400) of everolimus tablets was conducted in 118 patients with renal angiomyolipoma as a feature of TSC (n = 113) or sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis (n = 5). The key eligibility requirements for this trial were at least one angiomyolipoma of ≥ 3 cm in longest diameter on CT/MRI based on local radiology assessment, no immediate indication for surgery, and age ≥ 18 years. Patients received everolimus tablets 10 mg or matching placebo orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. CT or MRI scans for disease assessment were obtained at baseline, 12, 24, and 48 weeks and annually thereafter. Clinical and photographic assessment of skin lesions were conducted at baseline and every 12 weeks thereafter until treatment discontinuation. The major efficacy outcome measure was angiomyolipoma response rate based on independent central radiology review, which was defined as a ≥ 50% reduction in angiomyolipoma volume, absence of new angiomyolipoma lesion ≥ 1 cm, absence of kidney volume increase ≥ 20%, and no angiomyolipoma related bleeding of ≥ Grade 2. Key supportive efficacy outcome measures were time to angiomyolipoma progression and skin lesion response rate. The primary analyses of efficacy outcome measures were limited to the blinded treatment period and conducted 6 months after the last patient was randomized. The comparative angiomyolipoma response rate analysis was stratified by use of enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) at randomization (yes vs. no).

Of the 118 patients enrolled, 79 were randomized to everolimus tablets and 39 to placebo. The median age was 31 years (18 to 61 years), 34% were male, and 89% were white. At baseline, 17% of patients were receiving EIAEDs. On central radiology review at baseline, 92% of patients had at least 1 angiomyolipoma of ≥ 3 cm in longest diameter, 29% had angiomyolipomas ≥ 8 cm, 78% had bilateral angiomyolipomas, and 97% had skin lesions. The median values for the sum of all target renal angiomyolipoma lesions at baseline were 85 cm³ (9 to 1612 cm³) and 120 cm³ (3 to 4520 cm³) in the everolimus tablets and placebo arms, respectively. Forty-six (39%) patients had prior renal embolization or nephrectomy. The median duration of follow-up was 8.3 months (0.7 to 24.8 months) at the time of the primary analysis.

The renal angiomyolipoma response rate was statistically significantly higher in everolimus tablets-treated patients (Table 24). The median response duration was 5.3+ months (2.3+ to 19.6+ months).

There were 3 patients in the everolimus tablets arm and 8 patients in the placebo arm with documented angiomyolipoma progression by central radiologic review (defined as a ≥ 25% increase from nadir in the sum of angiomyolipoma target lesion volumes to a value greater than baseline, appearance of a new angiomyolipoma ≥ 1 cm in longest diameter, an increase in renal volume ≥ 20% from nadir for either kidney and to a value greater than baseline, or Grade ≥ 2 angiomyolipoma-related bleeding). The time to angiomyolipoma progression was statistically significantly longer in the everolimus tablets arm (HR 0.08 [95% CI: 0.02, 0.37]; p < 0.0001).

Skin lesion response rates were assessed by local investigators for 77 patients in the everolimus tablets arm and 37 patients in the placebo arm who presented with skin lesions at study entry. The skin lesion response rate was statistically significantly higher in the everolimus tablets arm (26% vs. 0, p = 0.0011); all skin lesion responses were partial responses, defined as visual improvement in 50% to 99% of all skin lesions durable for at least 8 weeks (Physician's Global Assessment of Clinical Condition).

Patients randomized to placebo were permitted to receive everolimus tablets at the time of angiomyolipoma progression or after the time of the primary analysis. After the primary analysis, patients treated with everolimus tablets underwent additional follow-up CT or MRI scans to assess tumor status until discontinuation of treatment or completion of 4 years of follow-up after the last patient was randomized. A total of 112 patients (79 randomized to everolimus tablets and 33 randomized to placebo) received at least one dose of everolimus tablets. The median duration of everolimus tablets treatment was 3.9 years (0.5 months to 5.3 years) and the median duration of follow-up was 3.9 years (0.9 months to 5.4 years). During the follow-up period after the primary analysis, 32 patients (in addition to the 33 patients identified at the time of the primary analysis) had an angiomyolipoma response based upon independent central radiology review. Among the 65 responders out of 112 patients, the median time to angiomyolipoma response was 2.9 months (2.6 to 33.8 months). Fourteen percent of the 112 patients treated with everolimus tablets had angiomyolipoma progression by the end of the follow-up period. No patient underwent a nephrectomy for angiomyolipoma progression and one patient underwent renal embolization while treated with everolimus tablets.