Efficacy and Safety of Everolimus (RAD001) Compared to Placebo in Patients With Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors

Progression of disease is defined as the time from study start to the date of first documented progression of disease or death due to any cause. Progression of disease is defined by RECIST criteria: Progression = 20% increase in the sum of the longest diameter of all target lesions, from the smallest sum of longest diameter of all target lesions recorded at or after baseline; or a new lesion; or progression of non-target lesions.

Objective Response defined by RECIST criteria: Partial response (PR) must have ≥ 30% decrease in the sum of the longest diameter of all target lesions, from the baseline sum. Complete response (CR) must have disappearance of all target and non-target lesions. For CR or PR, tumor measurements must be confirmed by 2nd assessments within 4 weeks . Progression = 20% increase in the sum of the longest diameter of all target lesions, from the smallest sum of longest diameter of all target lesions recorded at or after baseline; or a new lesion; or progression of non-target lesions

Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from date of randomization to the date of death due to any cause. Analyses were performed using all deaths in the FAS population regardless of whether they were observed during the double-blind treatment period, the open-label treatment period, the post-treatment evaluations, or the survival follow-up period.

The level of Ki 67 expression for evaluable tumor samples were analyzed towards progression free survival (PFS) as per local investigator assessment. The Ki-67 protein is a cellular marker for proliferation. It is strictly associated with cell proliferation. During interphase, the Ki-67 antigen can be exclusively detected within the cell nucleus, whereas in mitosis most of the protein is relocated to the surface of the chromosomes. Baseline Ki 67 levels were categorized as: less than or equal to 2%, > 2% to less than or equal to 5% and > 5%.

Baseline levels of serum CgA SE were characterized towards progression free survival (PFS) as per local investigator assessment, relative to the upper limited of normal (ULN). CgA levels exceeding 2 x ULN were considered to be 'Elevated' otherwise considered as "Non-elevated". An 'early response' (applicable to only those patients with elevated levels at baseline) was defined as a decrease of greater than or equal to 30% from baseline to Cycle 2 Day 1 or normalization by Cycle 2 Day 1. CgA is widely expressed in well-differentiated pancreatic NET. CgA is present in the secretory granules of neuroendocrine cells. Pancreatic NET patients often present with elevated circulating levels of CgA in their blood. Baseline levels of these biomarkers are considered as prognostic factors.

Baseline levels of serum NSE were characterized towards PFS as per local investigator assessment, relative to the upper limited of normal (ULN). NSE levels exceeding ULN were considered to be 'Elevated' otherwise considered as "Non-elevated". An 'early response' (applicable to only those patients with elevated levels at baseline) was defined as a decrease of greater than or equal to 30% from baseline to Cycle 2 Day 1 or normalization by Cycle 2 Day 1. NSE is widely expressed in well-differentiated pancreatic NET. NSE is usually expressed in the cytoplasm. Pancreatic NET patients often present with elevated circulating levels of NSE in their blood. Baseline levels of these biomarkers are considered as prognostic factors.

Adverse events are defined as any unfavorable and unintended diagnosis, symptom, sign (including an abnormal laboratory finding), syndrome or disease which either occurs during study, having been absent at baseline, or, if present at baseline, appears to worsen. Serious adverse events are any untoward medical occurrences that result in death, are life threatening, require (or prolong) hospitalization, cause persistent or significant disability/incapacity, result in congenital anomalies or birth defects, or are other conditions which in judgment of investigators represent significant hazards.

Adverse events are defined as any unfavorable and unintended diagnosis, symptom, sign (including an abnormal laboratory finding), syndrome or disease which either occurs during study, having been absent at baseline, or, if present at baseline, appears to worsen. Serious adverse events are any untoward medical occurrences that result in death, are life threatening, require (or prolong) hospitalization, cause persistent or significant disability/incapacity, result in congenital anomalies or birth defects, or are other conditions which in judgment of investigators represent significant hazards.

The PK parameters for a full PK profile at steady-state were determined in blood using non compartmental methods. This PK parameter is area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0-t last).

The PK parameters for a full PK profile at steady-state were determined in blood using non compartmental methods. The PK parameter: maximum (peak) drug concentration (Cmax) and minimum (trough) drug concentration (Cmin).

The PK parameters for a full PK profile at steady-state were determined in blood using non compartmental methods. The PK parameter clearance of distribution expressed as a function of bioavailability (CL/F).

The PK parameters for a full PK profile at steady-state were determined in blood using non compartmental methods. Values for tmax where summarized in median (range).

Time to definitive worsening is defined as a definitive increase in performance status from a baseline of 0 or 1 to WHO >= 2, or from a baseline value of 2 to WHO >= 3. If no earlier deterioration, patients were censored at the end of follow-up or at the start of further antineoplastic therapy. Rates of patients with no deterioration at 3 and 6 months were computed using Kaplan-meier method. Grade 0: Able to carry out all activity without restriction; Grade 1: Restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory & able to do light work; Grade 2: Ambulatory & capable of all self-care but unable to carry out any work. Up & about more than 50% of waking hours; Grade 3: Capable of only limited self-care, confined to bed or chair more than 50% of waking hours; Grade 4: Completely disabled & cannot carry on any self-care; totally confined to bed or chair.

This biomarker is related to angiogenesis pathway, was analyzed to determine the effects of everolimus on plasma antiangiogenic molecules.

This biomarker is related to angiogenesis pathway, was analyzed to determine the effects of everolimus on plasma antiangiogenic molecules.

This biomarker is related to angiogenesis pathway, was analyzed to determine the effects of everolimus on plasma antiangiogenic molecules.

This biomarker is related to angiogenesis pathway, was analyzed to determine the effects of everolimus on plasma antiangiogenic molecules.

This biomarker is related to angiogenesis pathway, was analyzed to determine the effects of everolimus on plasma antiangiogenic molecules.