Everolimus causing severe hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis

J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2013 Jan 1;11(1):5-9. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2013.0003.

Abstract

Everolimus is an mTOR inhibitor commonly used to treat metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) and renal cell carcinoma, and for posttransplant immunosuppression. This report presents a case of a 36-year-old man being treated with everolimus for a metastatic pNET who developed severe hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis. The incidence of hypertriglyceridemia reported in large prospective randomized trials is reviewed and the management of hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis is discussed. Careful monitoring of triglyceride levels and dose adjustments of everolimus together with lipid-lowering therapy can allow patients to continue this medication. Because there are increasing indications for the use of everolimus, prescribing oncologists must be cognizant of the common and serious side effects.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Everolimus
  • Humans
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatitis / chemically induced*
  • Sirolimus / adverse effects
  • Sirolimus / analogs & derivatives*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Everolimus
  • Sirolimus