SAN ANTONIO BREAST CANCER SYMPOSIUM (SABCS) December 4-8, 2011, San Antonio, Texas

IN BRIEF

Already known

• Everolimus (EVE) restores sensitivity to aromatase inhibitors (e.g. letrozole has been studied in the neoadjuvant setting).
• Temsirolimus restores doxorubicin/cisplatin sensitivity in head and neck cancer.
• EVE restores trastuzumab sensitivity in Stage IV breast cancer.

What this study showed

• Benefit in the present Stage IV BOLER O-2 trial (of EVE potentiating the clinical benefit of exemestane) confirms the 2009 neoadjuvant impact of EVE restoring sensitivity of letrozole, and the similar study enhancing the tamoxifen effect.
• In addition to restoring sensitivity to hormonal agents, EVE enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy (doxorubicin/ cisplatin) and, importantly, of the biologic agent trastuzumab, in Stage IV breast cancer.

Next steps

• Efforts should be focused on confirming mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition in the adjuvant setting.
• Research needs to be conducted on mTOR inhibitors with fewer side effects.
• Completion of adjuvant trials is required.