What Is Everolimus and How Is It Used in Kidney Cancer?

Everolimus (brand name Afinitor) is a targeted therapy used to treat advanced or metastatic kidney cancer, particularly when other treatments such as VEGF inhibitors have stopped working. It belongs to a class of drugs called mTOR inhibitors, which block a protein that helps cancer cells grow and divide.

Everolimus is typically used:

  • As a second- or third-line treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
  • In patients who have progressed on other therapies, like sunitinib or sorafenib

How Does It Work?

Everolimus works by blocking the mTOR pathway—a key signal that regulates cell growth, survival, and metabolism. In many cancers, including kidney cancer, this pathway is abnormally active.

By targeting mTOR, everolimus:

  • Slows down or stops tumor growth
  • Reduces blood vessel formation in tumors
  • May stabilize the disease for months in advanced stages

How Is It Taken?

  • Taken orally, once daily, as a 10 mg tablet
  • Should be taken at the same time each day, with or without food
  • Treatment continues until the cancer progresses or side effects become unmanageable

Regular monitoring is needed to adjust the dose and check for side effects.

What Are the Side Effects?

Common side effects include:

  • Mouth sores
  • Fatigue
  • Skin rash
  • Infections
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Because it weakens the immune system, everolimus can increase the risk of infections. Doctors may pause or adjust the dose if side effects become severe.

Is It Still Used Today?

While newer drugs like cabozantinib and immunotherapy combinations are now preferred first-line options, everolimus remains an important backup therapy. In some patients, especially those who cannot tolerate other treatments, everolimus still plays a valuable role.

Looking for more questions?

Visit our Kidney Cancer Questions page for all other topics explained in plain language.

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