Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Intraluminal Drug Delivery to the Mouse Arteriovenous Fistula Endothelium
Published on: March 4, 2016
Long-term effects of sirolimus treatment for slow-flow vascular malformations: Real-world evidence from the French
Cécilia Maillet1,2, Olivia Boccara3, Stéphanie Mallet4
1Unit of Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Center (CHRU) of Tours, Tours, France.
Rationale:
Sirolimus is a treatment for slow-flow vascular malformations (SFVMs). However, the long-term management remains challenging.
Objectives:
The SIROLO study assessed the long-term effects and real-life management of oral sirolimus for SFVMs by investigating data from 15 French tertiary centres for vascular anomalies.
Methods:
Participants were retrospectively included if they had a SFVM that was being/had been treated with sirolimus for at least 3 years in total. Data were collected on treatment goals when initiating sirolimus, investigator-reported efficacy, safety, dosages and treatment withdrawal.
Results:
The cohort involved 67 patients with various SFVM entities (mean [±SD] age 19.6 ± 12.5 years, 35 children, 52.2%). We found a heterogeneity of predefined treatment goals, the most frequent being cessation of pain. The investigators considered that sirolimus had persistent efficacy for bleeding, ulceration and pain but only slight efficacy for reducing volume. It was reported to be well-tolerated, although serious adverse events (mainly infections and also two ovarian cysts) were reported in 6 patients (9.0%) and required definitive sirolimus discontinuation for one. Overall, 11 patients (16.4%) had at least one temporary withdrawal period, leading to symptom recurrence and sirolimus resumption at a mean of 6.4 ± 9.6 months. The mean sirolimus concentration was 6.4 ± 3.7 ng/mL during the first 6 months and decreased over time (mean concentration during the last 6 months: 4.2 ± 3.2 ng/mL), probably to target the minimal efficient dosage. Eight patients (11.9%) switched to alpelisib because of insufficient efficacy of sirolimus.
Conclusions:
This real-life study gives answers to frequent questions patients and parents ask before sirolimus initiation for SFVMs, such as persistence of efficacy over time, long-term side effects and time to recurrence in case of withdrawal.
Insights
Oral sirolimus effectively manages slow-flow vascular malformations (SFVMs) symptoms like pain and bleeding long-term. While generally well-tolerated, its efficacy in reducing malformation volume is limited, and some patients may require dosage adjustments or alternative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Anomalies
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Sirolimus is a key treatment for slow-flow vascular malformations (SFVMs).
- Long-term management of SFVMs with sirolimus presents ongoing challenges.
- Real-world data on sirolimus's long-term efficacy and safety in SFVMs is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term effects of oral sirolimus in patients with SFVMs.
- To evaluate the real-life management strategies for SFVMs treated with sirolimus.
- To investigate treatment goals, efficacy, safety, and withdrawal patterns in a large cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 67 patients with SFVMs treated with sirolimus for at least 3 years.
- Data collected from 15 French tertiary centers for vascular anomalies.
- Evaluation of treatment goals, investigator-reported efficacy, safety, dosages, and withdrawal history.
Main Results:
- Sirolimus demonstrated persistent efficacy in managing bleeding, ulceration, and pain associated with SFVMs.
- Volume reduction efficacy was noted as slight, with a trend towards lower sirolimus concentrations over time.
- The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with serious adverse events in 9.0% of patients, and 16.4% experienced temporary withdrawal due to symptom recurrence.
Conclusions:
- This study provides valuable real-world insights into the long-term use of sirolimus for SFVMs.
- Findings address common patient and parent concerns regarding efficacy persistence, long-term side effects, and recurrence after withdrawal.
- Sirolimus remains a viable option for symptom management in SFVMs, though volume reduction is limited and careful monitoring is necessary.
More Related Videos
10:31Surgical Angiogenesis in Porcine Tibial Allotransplantation: A New Large Animal Bone Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Model
Published on: August 13, 2017
05:44Author Spotlight: Utilizing Venoplasty Balloon Model in Rodents to Simulate Surgical Interventions for Deep Veins
Published on: May 24, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Longitudinal Studies
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care