Sirolimus in Infants with Multiple Cardiac Rhabdomyomas Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiac rhabdomyomas represent a frequent manifestation of tuberous sclerosis. Tumor growth, mainly prenatally, can result in intrauterine fetal or neonatal deaths in almost 10% of patients. Case Report: We treated 3 consecutive infants aged less than 12 months with sirolimus, an oral mTOR inhibitor. All patients achieved significant reductions in cardiac rhabdomyomas. A complete response was documented in 2 patients, while a partial response with tumor debulking greater than 50% was seen in the other one. The median time to best cardiac response was 1.9 months in all patients, and 3.3 months in those with complete response. The side effects profile was acceptable. Conclusion: Sirolimus may have a significant role in promoting natural regression of cardiac rhabdomyomas. Prospective clinical trials are needed.

Keywords

• mTOR inhibitors
• Sirolimus
• Tuberous sclerosis complex
• Cardiac rhabdomyomas
• Subpendymal giant cell astrocytomas