Everolimus-based, calcineurin-inhibitor-free regimen in recipients of de-novo kidney transplants: an open-label, randomised, controlled trial

Lancet. 2011 Mar 5;377(9768):837-47. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)62318-5. Epub 2011 Feb 19.

Abstract

Background: Non-nephrotoxic immunosuppressive strategies that allow reduction of calcineurin-inhibitor exposure without compromising safety or efficacy remain a goal in kidney transplantation. Immunosuppression based on the mammalian-target-of-rapamycin inhibitor everolimus was assessed as a strategy for elimination of calcineurin-inhibitor exposure and optimisation of renal-graft function while maintaining efficacy.

Methods: In the ZEUS multicentre, open-label study, 503 patients (aged 18-65 years) who had received de-novo kidney transplants were enrolled. After initial treatment with ciclosporin, based on trough concentrations, and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (1440 mg/day, orally), corticosteroids (≥5 mg/day prednisolone or equivalent, orally), and basiliximab induction (20 mg, intravenously, on day 0 [2 h before transplantation], and on day 4), 300 (60%) patients were randomly assigned at 4·5 months in a 1:1 ratio to undergo calcineurin-inhibitor elimination (everolimus-based regimen that was based on trough concentrations [6-10 ng/mL] and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium [1440 mg/day] with corticosteroids), or continue standard ciclosporin-based treatment. Randomisation was done by use of a central, validated system that automated the random assignment of treatment groups to randomisation numbers. The primary objective was to show better renal function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR]; Nankivell formula) with the calcineurin-inhibitor-free everolimus regimen at 12 months after transplantation. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00154310.

Findings: 118 (76%) of 155 everolimus-treated patients and 117 (81%) of 145 ciclosporin-treated patients completed treatment with study drug up to 12 months after transplantation. At this timepoint, the everolimus regimen was associated with a significant improvement in GFR versus the ciclosporin regimen (71·8 mL/min per 1·73 m(2) vs 61·9 mL/min per 1·73 m(2), respectively; mean difference 9·8 mL/min per 1·73 m(2), 95% CI -12·2 to -7·5). Rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection were higher in the everolimus group than in the ciclosporin group after randomisation (15 [10%] of 154 vs five [3%] of 146; p = 0·036), but similar for the full study period (23 [15%] vs 22 [15%]). Compared with the ciclosporin regimen, higher mean lipid concentrations, slightly increased urinary protein excretion, and lower haemoglobin concentrations were noted with the everolimus regimen; thrombocytopenia, aphthous stomatitis, and diarrhoea also occurred more often in the everolimus group. A higher incidence of hyperuricaemia was noted with ciclosporin.

Interpretation: Early elimination of calcineurin inhibitor by use of everolimus-based immunosuppression improved renal function at 12 months while maintaining efficacy and safety, indicating that this strategy may facilitate improved long-term outcomes in selected patients.

Funding: Novartis Pharma.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Cyclosporine / administration & dosage
  • Cyclosporine / adverse effects
  • Cyclosporine / pharmacokinetics
  • Everolimus
  • Female
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate
  • Graft Rejection
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery
  • Kidney Transplantation* / immunology
  • Kidney Transplantation* / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycophenolic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Sirolimus / administration & dosage
  • Sirolimus / adverse effects
  • Sirolimus / analogs & derivatives*
  • Sirolimus / pharmacokinetics
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • Everolimus
  • MTOR protein, human
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Mycophenolic Acid
  • Sirolimus

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00154310