Use of Everolimus After Multivisceral Transplantation: A Report of Two Cases

Transplant Proc. 2016 Mar;48(2):485-8. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2015.11.034.

Abstract

Inhibitors of mechanistic target of rapamycin are used in solid organ transplant procedures to avoid calcineurin inhibitor complications, including nephrotoxicity and malignancy. We present 2 cases of multivisceral transplantation for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) for which everolimus was implemented for its potential to prevent NET recurrence as well as preserve renal function. The first case was complicated by NET recurrence in the liver before initiation of everolimus. After initiation of everolimus, the patient developed a ventral hernia and elevated aminotransferase levels with nonspecific biopsy findings. The second case was complicated by cytomegalovirus infection with elevated everolimus trough levels as well as acute cellular rejection. Everolimus was reinitiated in both cases in addition to decreasing the dosage of tacrolimus, and there were no further complications. Everolimus was beneficial in stabilizing renal function in both patients and has the theoretical potential to prevent recurrence of NET.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Everolimus / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Intestines / transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / drug therapy
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / surgery*
  • Tacrolimus / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Everolimus
  • Tacrolimus