Phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic study of Rad001 (everolimus) administered daily to Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors

Objective: To determine the pharmacokinetics and safety of RAD001 (everolimus) in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: An open-label, non-randomized, dose-escalation Phase I study of RAD001 administered continuously once daily in a 28-day cycle was performed. The study had a '3 + 3' design, with three patients recruited to each of three successive cohorts treated with RAD001 at 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 mg/day. Results: The pharmacokinetics of RAD001 in Japanese patients were similar to those previously determined in Caucasians. The drug safety profile was consistent with that of a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. One patient with esophageal cancer and one with gastric cancer treated with RAD001 at 10 mg/day showed marked tumor responses. Conclusions: Treatment of Japanese cancer patients with RAD001 may be undertaken with the expectation that previously determined pharmacokinetic and safety profiles apply. The drug may hold promise for treatment of esophageal and gastric cancer.