Significant response after treatment with the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in metastatic melanoma patients

Publication

Significant response after treatment with the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in metastatic melanoma patients

Journal Paper/Review - May 1, 2009

Meier Friedegund, Garbe Claus, Knaudt Björn, Zielinski Christina, Leiter Ulrike, Forschner Andrea, Eigentler Thomas, Clasen Stephan, Guenova Emmanuella, Berneburg Mark

Citation

Meier F, Garbe C, Knaudt B, Zielinski C, Leiter U, Forschner A, Eigentler T, Clasen S, Guenova E, Berneburg M. Significant response after treatment with the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in metastatic melanoma patients. J Am Acad Dermatol 2009; 60:863-8.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

J Am Acad Dermatol 2009; 60

Publication Date

May 1, 2009

Issn Electronic

1097-6787

Pages

863-8

Brief description/objective

Melanoma is highly resistant to chemotherapy. In melanoma, the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway is constitutively activated through multiple mechanisms. Several experimental studies suggest that targeting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway is a promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance. This is the first report describing a chemosensitizing effect of mTOR inhibition in patients with melanoma. We report two cases of patients with metastatic melanoma who showed significant remission after combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel with the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus. Our case report, together with the literature discussed, suggests that mTOR inhibition possibly enhances the sensitivity of melanoma cells to chemotherapy and should prompt in-depth and clinical investigation.