everolimus + trastuzumab

Everolimus + trastuzumab is a combination regimen of two targeted therapies used primarily in the treatment of HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Everolimus is an oral small molecule inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which blocks a key signaling pathway involved in cell growth and survival. Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), inhibiting proliferation and survival signals in HER2-overexpressing tumor cells. The rationale for combining these agents stems from evidence that activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway contributes to resistance to trastuzumab; thus, mTOR inhibition by everolimus may restore sensitivity to anti-HER2 therapy. This combination has been studied with and without chemotherapy (e.g., paclitaxel or vinorelbine) in patients with advanced breast cancer who are resistant to prior trastuzumab-based regimens[1][2][5].

Brand names

AfinitorHerceptin

Other names

everolimus-UNICANCER-breast cancerRADHER trial