A randomized controlled trial of everolimus for neurocognitive symptoms in PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome

Abstract

PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) overactivity. Limited data suggest that mTOR inhibitors may be therapeutic. No placebo-controlled studies have examined mTOR inhibition on cognition and behavior in humans with PHTS with/without autism. We conducted a 6-month phase II, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to examine the safety profile and efficacy of everolimus (4.5 mg/m2) in individuals (5-45 years) with PHTS. We measured several cognitive and behavioral outcomes, and electroencephalography (EEG) biomarkers. The primary endpoint was a neurocognitive composite derived from Stanford Binet-5 (SB-5) nonverbal working memory score, SB-5 verbal working memory, Conners' Continuous Performance Test hit reaction time and Purdue Pegboard Test score. Forty-six participants underwent 1:1 randomization: n = 24 (everolimus) and n = 22 (placebo). Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in the everolimus group (P < 0.001). Changes in the primary endpoint between groups from baseline to Month 6 were not apparent (Cohen's d = -0.10, P = 0.518). However, several measures were associated with modest effect sizes (≥0.2) in the direction of improvement, including measures of nonverbal IQ, verbal learning, autism symptoms, motor skills, adaptive behavior and global improvement. There was a significant difference in EEG central alpha power (P = 0.049) and central beta power (P = 0.039) 6 months after everolimus treatment. Everolimus is well tolerated in PHTS; adverse events were similar to previous reports. The primary efficacy endpoint did not reveal improvement. Several secondary efficacy endpoints moved in the direction of improvement. EEG measurements indicate target engagement following 6 months of daily oral everolimus. Trial Registration Information: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02991807 Classification of Evidence: I.

Figure 1

Consolidated standards of reporting trials (CONSORT) diagram for the trial.

Figure 2

Estimated trajectories of Purdue Pegboard Test left hand standard score (A) and SRS-2 total standard score (B) over multiple timepoints for the everolimus and placebo groups. SRS-2 score is reverse coded; both standard scores are generated from T-scores. Larger scores are better. Outcomes are estimated on the basis of longitudinal mixed effects modeling allowing for random intercept.

Figure 3

EEG central alpha (A) and beta power (B) over multiple timepoints for the everolimus and placebo groups. There were nine participants in the placebo group and seven participants in the everolimus group included in the 6-month EEG power analysis. ^*P < 0.05.