Everolimus
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Everolimus (Commonly known as Afinitor, Zortress; technically classified as an mTOR inhibitor)
Summary
Everolimus is a drug used to treat certain types of cancers, prevent organ rejection after a transplant, and manage other specific medical conditions. It works by inhibiting a protein pathway that regulates cell growth, thereby helping control abnormal cell proliferation.
Purpose
- Medical Conditions Addressed: Everolimus is used for treating various types of cancers, including advanced kidney cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and certain brain tumors. It is also prescribed to prevent organ rejection in patients who have undergone a liver or kidney transplant.
- Goals: The primary goal is to inhibit tumor growth or manage transplant rejection, leading to prolonged survival rates and improved quality of life.
Indications
- Advanced or metastatic kidney cancer
- Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
- Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) associated with tuberous sclerosis
- Preventing organ rejection post-transplant in kidney or liver transplant recipients
Preparation
- Pre-Procedure Instructions: Patients are generally advised to stop eating and drinking a few hours before taking the medication. Blood tests may be required to check liver function and blood cell counts.
- Diagnostic Tests: Regular monitoring through blood tests to assess kidney and liver function, as well as to check for proper blood counts.
Procedure Description
- Initial Assessment: The healthcare provider evaluates the patient’s medical history and condition.
- Administration: Everolimus is taken orally in tablet form, usually once daily. The dose depends on the individual's specific medical condition and response to treatment.
- Monitoring: Patients undergo regular follow-up visits for blood tests and imaging scans to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust dosages if necessary.
Duration
The duration of Everolimus treatment varies depending on the medical condition, the patient's response to treatment, and tolerance to the drug. It is usually a long-term treatment spanning several months to years.
Setting
Everolimus is typically prescribed and monitored in an outpatient setting, such as a hospital’s oncology department, or a transplant clinic.
Personnel
- Oncologist or transplant specialist
- Pharmacist
- Oncology or transplant nurse
- Lab technicians for blood tests and monitoring
Risks and Complications
- Common Risks: Mouth sores, infections, high blood sugar, high cholesterol levels, fatigue.
- Rare Risks: Interstitial lung disease, kidney problems, delayed wound healing, blood clot formation.
- Management: Regular monitoring and supportive care to manage side effects, dosage adjustments if severe side effects occur.
Benefits
- Cancer Treatment: Slows down the growth of cancer cells, potentially shrinking tumors and extending life expectancy.
- Transplant Patients: Reduces the risk of organ rejection, thereby enhancing the success rates of transplants.
- Timeline of Benefits: Benefits may start to become noticeable after a few weeks of treatment, but full effectiveness can take several months.
Recovery
- Post-Procedure Care: Continuous monitoring through blood tests and clinical assessments. Patients should follow a balanced diet and maintain hydration.
- Restrictions: Avoiding certain foods and other medications that can interact with Everolimus. Regular follow-up visits with healthcare providers.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Scheduled periodically to monitor health and medication effectiveness.
Alternatives
- Cancer: Alternative treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, other targeted therapies.
- Transplant: Other immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus, cyclosporine.
- Pros and Cons: Alternatives may have different side effect profiles, efficacy rates, and procedural burdens compared to Everolimus, personalized to individual patient needs.
Patient Experience
- During Treatment: Patients generally take the medication daily with or without food. Regular clinic visits for monitoring.
- After Treatment: Regular follow-ups; potential ongoing mild side effects requiring management.
- Pain Management and Comfort Measures: Use of topical treatments for mouth sores, medications for managing blood sugar or cholesterol if needed. Regular communication with healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans for improved comfort.