Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

A Semi-Quantitative Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS) assay for studying Rapamycin/mTOR interaction
Published on: August 27, 2019
Descriptive Analysis of Adverse Drug Events of Three mTOR Inhibitors Using WHO-VigiAccess
Prerna Bhati1, Prakash Haloi1, Havagiray R Chitme1
1Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Introduction:
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates cell growth, metabolism, and survival. Its dysregulation contributes to cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegeneration, and aging. While mTOR inhibitors such as Sirolimus, Everolimus, and Temsirolimus are therapeutically valuable, they are linked to significant adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
Objective:
To investigate adverse events (AEs) and ADRs associated with mTOR inhibitors using the World Health Organization's VigiAccess database.
Methods:
A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted using ADRs reports from WHOVigiAccess (2000 onward). Data included patient demographics and geographic distribution. Statistical measures such as odds ratios and relative risks were applied to assess risks.
Results:
Sirolimus showed a 132% increased risk of gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, alongside oral ulceration, highlighting mucosal toxicity. It was also linked to a 67% higher risk of interstitial lung disease and a 63% increased likelihood of ascites. Temsirolimus was associated with a 40% higher risk of pneumonia and a 36% higher risk of sepsis, reflecting immunosuppressive effects.
Discussion:
The findings underscore the diverse and serious ADRs of mTOR inhibitors, ranging from gastrointestinal and pulmonary complications to heightened infection risk. These outcomes emphasize the need for careful monitoring and risk-benefit evaluation in clinical use.
Conclusion:
mTOR inhibitors, while effective, pose substantial risks of ADRs including hemorrhage, lung disease, ascites, and infections. Clinicians should weigh therapeutic benefits against potential harms and adopt vigilant monitoring strategies to optimize patient safety.
Insights
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors like Sirolimus and Temsirolimus carry significant risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding, lung disease, and infections. Careful monitoring is crucial for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for cell growth, metabolism, and survival, with its dysregulation implicated in various diseases including cancer and aging.
- mTOR inhibitors (e.g., Sirolimus, Everolimus, Temsirolimus) are valuable therapeutics but are associated with significant adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adverse events (AEs) and ADRs linked to mTOR inhibitors.
- Utilized the World Health Organization's VigiAccess database for comprehensive data analysis.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis of ADR reports from the WHO VigiAccess database (2000 onwards).
- Analyzed patient demographics and geographic distribution of reported ADRs.
- Employed statistical measures like odds ratios and relative risks to quantify the risks associated with mTOR inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Sirolimus demonstrated a 132% increased risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and was linked to oral ulceration, interstitial lung disease (67% higher risk), and ascites (63% increased likelihood).
- Temsirolimus was associated with a 40% higher risk of pneumonia and a 36% increased risk of sepsis, indicating potential immunosuppressive effects.
Conclusions:
- mTOR inhibitors are associated with a wide spectrum of serious ADRs, including gastrointestinal and pulmonary complications, as well as an increased risk of infections.
- Clinical use necessitates careful patient monitoring and a thorough risk-benefit assessment to optimize therapeutic outcomes and patient safety.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Overview and Classification
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Drug Analysis Methods
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Drug Toxicity: Overview