Improvement in Renal Cystic Disease of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex After Treatment with Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitor.

Renal cysts occur in approximately 50% of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, but their clinical significance and response to treatment are unknown. Abdominal imaging of 15 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex-associated renal cystic disease who had received mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor therapy for other tuberous sclerosis complex-related indications was evaluated. Reductions in cyst number, sum diameter, and volume were observed.

Everolimus for subependymal giant cell astrocytoma: 5-year final analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the cumulative efficacy and safety of everolimus in treating subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA) associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) from an open-label phase II study (NCT00411619). Updated data became available from the conclusion of the extension phase and are presented in this ≥5-year analysis. METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 3 years with a definite diagnosis of TSC and increasing SEGA lesion size (≥2 magnetic resonance imaging scans) received everolimus starting at 3mg/m(2) /day (titrated to target blood trough levels of 5-15ng/ml). The primary efficacy endpoint was reduction from baseline in primary SEGA volume. RESULTS: As of the study completion date (January 28, 2014), 22 of 28 (78.6%) initially enrolled patients finished the study per protocol. Median (range) duration of exposure to everolimus was 67.8 (4.7-83.2) months; 12 (52.2%) and 14 (60.9%) of 23 patients experienced SEGA volume reductions of ≥50% and ≥30% relative to baseline, respectively, after 60 months of treatment. The proportion of patients experiencing daily seizures was reduced from 7 of 26 (26.9%) patients at baseline to 2 of 18 (11.1%) patients at month 60. Most commonly reported adverse events (AEs) were upper respiratory tract infection and stomatitis of mostly grade 1 or 2 severity. No patient discontinued treatment due to AEs. The frequency of emergence of most AEs decreased over the course of the study. INTERPRETATION: Everolimus continues to demonstrate a sustained effect on SEGA tumor reduction over ≥5 years of treatment. Everolimus remained well-tolerated, and no new safety concerns were noted.

Everolimus treatment of refractory epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex.

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is a major manifestation of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Everolimus is an mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 inhibitor with demonstrated benefit in several aspects of TSC. We report the first prospective human clinical trial to directly assess whether everolimus will also benefit epilepsy in TSC patients. METHODS: The effect of everolimus on seizure control was assessed using a prospective, multicenter, open-label, phase I/II clinical trial. Patients≥2 years of age with confirmed diagnosis of TSC and medically refractory epilepsy were treated for a total of 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was percentage of patients with a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency over a 4-week period before and after treatment. Secondary endpoints assessed impact on electroencephalography (EEG), behavior, and quality of life. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were enrolled, and 20 patients were treated with everolimus. Seizure frequency was reduced by ≥50% in 12 of 20 subjects. Overall, seizures were reduced in 17 of the 20 by a median reduction of 73% (p<0.001). Seizure frequency was also reduced during 23-hour EEG monitoring (p=0.007). Significant reductions in seizure duration and improvement in parent-reported behavior and quality of life were also observed. There were 83 reported adverse events that were thought to be treatment-related, all of which were mild or moderate in severity. INTERPRETATION: Seizure control improved in the majority of TSC patients with medically refractory epilepsy following treatment with everolimus. Everolimus demonstrated additional benefits on behavior and quality of life. Treatment was safe and well tolerated. Everolimus may be a therapeutic option for refractory epilepsy in this population.

Everolimus for subependymal giant-cell astrocytomas in tuberous sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical resection is the standard treatment for subependymal giant-cell astrocytomas in patients with the tuberous sclerosis complex. An alternative may be the use of everolimus, which inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin, a protein regulated by gene products involved in the tuberous sclerosis complex. METHODS: Patients 3 years of age or older with serial growth of subependymal giant-cell astrocytomas were eligible for this open-label study. The primary efficacy end point was the change in volume of subependymal giant-cell astrocytomas between baseline and 6 months. We gave everolimus orally, at a dose of 3.0 mg per square meter of body-surface area, to achieve a trough concentration of 5 to 15 ng per milliliter. RESULTS: We enrolled 28 patients. Everolimus therapy was associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in volume of the primary subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma, as assessed on independent central review (P<0.001 for baseline vs. 6 months), with a reduction of at least 30% in 21 patients (75%) and at least 50% in 9 patients (32%). Marked reductions were seen within 3 months and were sustained. There were no new lesions, worsening hydrocephalus, evidence of increased intracranial pressure, or necessity for surgical resection or other therapy for subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma. Of the 16 patients for whom 24-hour video electroencephalography data were available, seizure frequency for the 6-month study period (vs. the previous 6-month period) decreased in 9, did not change in 6, and increased in 1 (median change, -1 seizure; P=0.02). The mean (±SD) score on the validated Quality-of-Life in Childhood Epilepsy questionnaire (on which scores can range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating a better quality of life) was improved at 3 months (63.4±12.4) and 6 months (62.1±14.2) over the baseline score (57.8±14.0). Single cases of grade 3 treatment-related sinusitis, pneumonia, viral bronchitis, tooth infection, stomatitis, and leukopenia were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Everolimus therapy was associated with marked reduction in the volume of subependymal giant-cell astrocytomas and seizure frequency and may be a potential alternative to neurosurgical resection in some cases, though long-term studies are needed. (Funded by Novartis; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00411619.).

Psychiatric comorbidity and treatment response in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and psychiatric comorbidity are common in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), but information regarding psychopharmacologic management is lacking. METHODS: We reviewed clinical records of patients evaluated over a 20-month period at a large, quaternary referral center specializing in the comprehensive management of patients with TSC. Data were collected regarding psychiatric diagnoses, psychopharmacologic medications used to treat these disorders, and clinical response to treatment at follow-up. RESULTS: There were 113 encounters by 62 pediatric and adult patients with TSC, which were included in the present analysis. Behavioral and anxiety disorders were most prevalent, as were autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants with mood-stabilizing properties were the most often prescribed psychoactive medications and were associated with an overall improvement or stabilization of psychiatric symptoms 65% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric comorbidity, especially behavioral disorders, is very common among patients with TSC. Pharmacologic treatment can be very effective and should be considered for optimal disease management in affected individuals.

Symptom rates and profile clustering in tuberous sclerosis complex-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND).

BACKGROUND: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is associated with a range of neuropsychiatric difficulties, appropriately termed TSC-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND). The objectives of the study were to analyze the rates of TAND symptoms in a cohort of patients seen at the TSC Center of Excellence at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and to identify clinically meaningful profiles based on TAND symptoms. METHODS: Data from the TAND Checklist was obtained from participants seen at the TSC Center of Excellence at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center from June 2015 to August 2018. Cluster and factor analyses for each TAND symptom were performed. Factor scores were then calculated for participants, and a K-means cluster analysis of these scores was used to empirically identify distinct overall TAND symptom profiles occurring in TSC. RESULTS: A total of 1545 checklists was completed for 668 participants (37% adults and 63% children). Approximately 90% of participants reported at least one TAND symptom with an average of 12 symptoms (out of 29). Symptom rates ranged between 5 and 60%. The most common symptoms were neuropsychologic symptoms. A seven-cluster and seven-factor solution were found to be optimal. K-means cluster analysis resulted in a seven-profile solution, ranging from low to high symptom burden. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to identify natural phenotypic profiles of TAND symptoms. Study of specific TAND subpopulations with shared profiles may facilitate better understanding of the underlying biology of TAND and better assessment of more targeted treatments.

Diabetes in Individuals With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Treated With mTOR Inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder that is manifested in multiple body systems. A mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor (mTORi), either everolimus or sirolimus, is now routinely prescribed for multiple clinical manifestations of TSC, including subependymal giant cell astrocytoma and epilepsy. These medications are generally well tolerated. Side effects previously identified in well-designed clinical trials tend to be mild and readily manageable. Regulatory approvals for the treatment of TSC have expanded the use of everolimus and sirolimus clinically, enlarging clinician experience and enabling identification of potential treatment-related effects that are rarer than could be identified or recognized in previous clinical trials. METHODS: The medical records of clinical patients from our TSC center who were treated with an mTORi and later developed diabetes mellitus (DM) were analyzed and compared with those who were not treated with an mTORi. Eight individuals received detailed analysis, including laboratory results, concomitant medications, and body mass indices. RESULTS: Among the 1576 individuals with TSC, 4% taking an mTORi developed diabetes compared with 0.6% of those not on mTORi, showing a significant interaction between DM and mTORi (chi-square = 18.1, P < 0.001). Details of eight patients who developed DM were presented. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term use of mTORi agents in TSC may contribute to a risk of diabetes. Early detection can be critical in management. Additional studies are need to further investigate a causal relationship, but clinicians should be aware of this possible association when initiating and monitoring ongoing treatment.

Cannabidiol Elevates Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Inhibitor Levels in Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

BACKGROUND: The mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors everolimus and sirolimus have activity against multiple manifestations of tuberous sclerosis complex and are approved to treat astrocytomas, angiomyolipomas, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and epilepsy. Cannabidiol is a novel antiepileptic medication. There is lack of information regarding drug-drug interactions between mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors and cannabidiol in clinical practice. METHODS: We reviewed patients with tuberous sclerosis complex who were treated with a mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor (everolimus, sirolimus) and cannabidiol. Clinical information, mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor and cannabidiol dosing, concomitant antiepileptic drugs, as well as laboratory and adverse events were reviewed before and after initiation of cannabidiol. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were treated with cannabidiol and a mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor (18 everolimus, seven sirolimus). All mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor levels were drawn as troughs. Levels were significantly higher in 76% patients after cannabidiol treatment (P = 0.0003). Median change from baseline was +9.8 ng/mL for everolimus and +5.1 ng/mL for sirolimus. Adverse events occurred in 40%, with diarrhea being the most frequent adverse event occurring in three patients. No severe adverse events occurred during the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: Cannabidiol resulted in increased serum levels of everolimus and/or sirolimus. Some patients experienced doubling or tripling of their mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor trough following the addition of cannabidiol. In some cases, this resulted in clinical toxicity, as well as laboratory abnormalities. Awareness of this interaction can lead clinicians to evaluate serum levels and other safety laboratory studies more closely, and thereby avoid potentially significant adverse effects. In patients known to be prone to mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor toxicity, preemptive reduction in dose may be warranted upon initiation of cannabidiol.

Long-term treatment of epilepsy with everolimus in tuberous sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term benefit and safety of everolimus for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). METHODS: Everolimus was titrated over 4 weeks and continued an additional 8 weeks in a prospective, open-label, phase I/II clinical trial design. Participants demonstrating initial benefit continued treatment until study completion (48 months). The primary endpoint was percentage of patients with a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency compared to baseline. Secondary endpoints assessed absolute seizure frequency, adverse events (AEs), behavior, and quality of life. RESULTS: Of the 20 participants who completed the initial study phase, 18 continued extended treatment. Fourteen of 18 (78%) participants completed the study, all but 1 of whom reported ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency at 48 months. All participants reported at least 1 AE, the vast majority (94%) of which were graded mild or moderate severity. Improvements in behavior and quality of life were also observed, but failed to achieve statistical significance at 48 months. CONCLUSIONS: Improved seizure control was maintained for 4 years in the majority of patients with TSC with medically refractory epilepsy treated with everolimus. Long-term treatment with everolimus is safe and well-tolerated in this population. Everolimus may be a therapeutic option for refractory epilepsy in TSC. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with TSC with medically refractory epilepsy everolimus improves seizure control.

Nursing implications for the lifelong management of tuberous sclerosis complex.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder that can affect multiple organ systems, including the brain, heart, skin, kidney, and lung, by formation of benign hamartomas. It can be associated with autism, epilepsy, and other neurocognitive and behavioral disabilities. The incidence of TSC is approximately 1 in 6,000 live births, but it may be underdiagnosed. Mutations to either the TSC1 (coding for hamartin) or TSC2 (coding for tuberin) genes are present in 85% of patients with TSC. The TSC1/TSC2 protein dimer complex is a crucial inhibitory element in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 pathway that regulates cell growth and proliferation. The manifestations of TSC usually require management over the entire life of the patient. Until recently, there were few options, other than surgical removal, for treating the symptoms of TSC related to growth of hamartomas. Increased understanding of the genetic cause of the disease and the underlying dysregulation of the mTOR pathway has led to clinical trials of mTOR inhibitors including sirolimus and everolimus. This article will review the various manifestations of TSC and describe treatment strategies, recommendations for surveillance, and use of mTOR inhibitors in their management.

Everolimus for tumor recurrence after surgical resection for subependymal giant cell astrocytoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

A recent phase 1/2 study demonstrated that treatment with the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus reduced subependymal giant cell astrocytoma volume by 30% in 75% of the patients, all of whom were poor candidates for surgical resection. Of the enrolled patients, 4 had had previous surgery to remove subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, and the outcomes for these patients were retrospectively analyzed and are presented here. All 4 experienced over 50% initial reduction in the volume of their subependymal giant cell astrocytoma after 2 to 3 years of therapy with everolimus. Although the volume of 1 patient's subependymal giant cell astrocytoma returned to baseline volume 36 months after initiating everolimus, they have remained asymptomatic with no recurrent hydrocephalus. Further surgery has been avoided in all cases to date. This course of treatment offers a new and welcome option for these difficult-to-treat patients.

Everolimus long-term safety and efficacy in subependymal giant cell astrocytoma.

OBJECTIVE: To report long-term efficacy and safety data for everolimus for the treatment of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). METHODS: This was an open-label extension phase of a prospective, phase 1-2 trial (NCT00411619) in patients ≥3 years of age with SEGA associated with TSC. Patients received oral everolimus starting at 3 mg/m2 per day and subsequently titrated, subject to tolerability, to attain whole blood trough concentrations of 5-15 ng/mL. Change in SEGA volume, seizures, and safety assessments were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Of 28 patients enrolled, 25 were still under treatment at the time of analysis. Median dose was 5.3 mg/m2/day and median treatment duration was 34.2 months (range 4.7-47.1). At all time points (18, 24, 30, and 36 months), primary SEGA volume was reduced by ≥30% from baseline (treatment response) in 65%-79% of patients. All patients reported ≥1 adverse event (AE), mostly grade 1/2 in severity, consistent with that previously reported, and none led to everolimus discontinuation. The most commonly reported drug-related AEs were upper respiratory infections (85.7%), stomatitis (85.7%), sinusitis (46.4%), and otitis media (35.7%). No drug-related grade 4 or 5 events occurred. CONCLUSION: Everolimus therapy is safe and effective for longer term (median exposure 34.2 months) treatment of patients with TSC with SEGA. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that everolimus, titrated to trough serum levels of 5-15 ng/mL, was effective in reducing tumor size in patients with SEGA secondary to TSC for a median of 34 months.

Vigabatrin for childhood partial-onset epilepsies.

To determine vigabatrin's effectiveness and the prevalence of symptomatic visual impairment (i.e., impairment affecting the ability to perform everyday activities) associated with its therapy in pediatric epilepsy, we retrospectively reviewed medical records of 156 patients receiving vigabatrin at Cincinnati Children's Medical Center from 1998-2010. In addition to demographics and vigabatrin dosing information, data included seizure type/frequency at presentation and subsequent follow-up. Of 156 patients, we excluded 35 because their medical records were insufficient to permit verification of the exact duration or timing of vigabatrin treatment. To evaluate efficacy (n = 121/135), we used a 5-point scale (0-4) to compare seizure frequency at several time points. To evaluate visual impairment (n = 63), we reviewed serial ophthalmologic evaluations at baseline and during treatment for patients in whom they were clinically indicated. Mean age at treatment initiation was 1.8 years (range, 0.1-29.2 years). Treatment duration ranged from 0.7-101.0 months, with an estimated average daily dose of 79 mg/kg/day. Tuberous sclerosis complex was the commonest seizure etiology (83%). Partial-onset seizure, alone or with infantile spasms, was the commonest seizure type (84%). Seizure frequency decreased from 3.7 ± 0.6 S.D. at baseline to 1.8 ± 1.7 S.D. at 6 months (P < 0.001). Responses to vigabatrin did not differ by tuberous sclerosis complex or nontuberous sclerosis complex etiology, and were sustained for 5 years. Sixty-three patients (∼50% of all patients evaluated) underwent clinically indicated ophthalmologic assessments during the review period. In our clinical judgment, no cases of clinically relevant vigabatrin-associated visual impairment occurred. Vigabatrin was effective for refractory childhood partial-onset epilepsy, and was not associated with symptomatic vision loss.