Afinitor, Afinitor Disperz

What is this medication?

Afinitor and Afinitor Disperz are prescription medications containing the active ingredient everolimus, which belongs to a class of drugs known as mTOR inhibitors. These medications work by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells and by reducing the blood supply to tumors. Afinitor is primarily used to treat several specific types of cancer in adults, including advanced kidney cancer, certain types of advanced breast cancer when used with other treatments, and specific neuroendocrine tumors that have originated in the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs.

In addition to treating various cancers, these medications are used to treat certain non-cancerous conditions associated with a genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis complex. This includes treating subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, which is a type of brain tumor, and renal angiomyolipoma, a type of kidney tumor. Afinitor Disperz is a specialized tablet form that can be dissolved in water, making it easier to administer to pediatric and adult patients for the treatment of brain tumors or certain types of seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.