The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an everolimus conversion (EVR) protocol as compared to the standard tacrolimus (TAC) based protocol in liver transplant recipients, as determined by renal function, rejection rates, and progression to fibrosis (in HCV positive subjects). Additionally, safety profile and tolerability of these regimens will be assessed.
The mainstay of maintenance immunosuppression post-transplantation includes a calcineurin inhibitor, either cyclosporine or tacrolimus. The introduction of calcineurin inhibitors led to a significant improvement in graft and patient outcomes post solid organ transplantation. However, one of the severe limitations of this class of drugs, is its associated nephrotoxicity. Data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients reveal that the incidence of stage 4 chronic kidney disease or stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation (OLT) at 1, 3, and 5 years is 8%, 14%, and 18%, respectively, increasing to approximately 25% by 10 years after transplantation.Furthermore, renal dysfunction is associated with a four-fold increase in patient mortality post solid organ transplantation. Several calcineurin inhibitor sparing and minimizing regimens have been studied. Most recently, in the phase III, randomized study in de novo liver transplant recipients,demonstrated significantly improved renal function in the tacrolimus minimization arm (everolimus plus tacrolimus one year post transplant.In fact superior renal function was achieved with the tacrolimus minimization arm one month after randomization and was maintained to Month 12. With this pilot study, we aim to compare the efficacy of the standard immunosupression post liver transplant with Tacrolimus and Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)with calcineurin sparing regimen using the combination of everolimus and enteric coated mycophenolic acid, as determined by the estimated Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at one year post transplant, with acceptable rates of biopsy proven rejection.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
Everolimus will be initiated within 24 hours of baseline at a dose of 1 mg po BID (2 mg/day).
Subjects will be maintained on standard maintenance immunosuppression per local protocol, consisting of a tacrolimus plus enteric coated mycophenolic acid. Oral corticosteroids may not be eliminated sooner than 180 days post transplantation. Tacrolimus doses will be adjusted based on local lab results of tacrolimus trough levels.
Columbia University Medical Center-NYPH
New York, New York, United States
RECRUITINGChange in estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
Comparison of change in Renal function, as measured by eGFR from baseline to 12 months post liver transplantation, in subjects maintained on an everolimus conversion regimen versus those maintained on a standard tacrolimus based regimen.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 months post transplant
Change in estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
1. Comparison of renal function, as measured eGFR from baseline to 24 months post liver transplantation, in subjects maintained on an everolimus conversion regimen versus those maintained on a standard tacrolimus based regimen. 2. To compare the incidence of renal insufficiency, defined as GFR\<30 or need for dialysis at 12 months and 24 months post liver transplantation, in subjects maintained on an everolimus conversion regimen versus those maintained on a standard tacrolimus based regimen.
Time frame: Baseline and 24 months post liver transplantation
Proportion of HCV patients who develop stage 2 of 4 or greater fibrosis, liver failure, or fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) at month 12 and 24
To determine whether everolimus conversion post liver transplantation reduces progression of fibrosis at 12 and 24 months post transplant as compared to standard tacrolimus based immunosuppression in liver transplant recipients with Hepatitis C as measured by: Proportion of patients who develop stage 2 of 4 or greater fibrosis, liver failure, or fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) at month 12 and 24
Time frame: Up to 24 months post liver transplantation
Composite Efficacy Failure Rate
To compare the composite efficacy failure rates of treated biopsy proven acute rejection, graft loss, death, or loss to follow up with Everolimus conversion arm to standard immunosuppression with Tacrolimus based arm at 12 and 24 months after liver transplant. To compare each component of the composite efficacy failure rates between Everolimus conversion and standard Tacrolimus arm. To compare the composite graft failure or death or loss of follow up between the two arms. To Evaluate acute rejection by incidence, time to interval and severity.
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Time frame: Up to 24 months
Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Recurrence
In subjects with Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), to compare the incidence of HCC recurrence at 12 months post transplantation between the Everolimus conversion arm and the standard tacrolimus based arm, as evaluated by radiological studies, biopsy findings, and/or AFP levels.
Time frame: Up to 12 months post transplant