Everolimus (RAD001) in Elderly Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The main goal of this study is to assess the safety and tolerability of RAD001 in combination with low-dose cytarabine in acute myeloid leukemia patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy. The secondary goals are to investigate the likely causes of drug response or failure.

A multicentre 2-stage Phase Ib/II trial of 5-Azacitidine combined with Everolimus for AML patients over the age of 60 or relapsed AML over the age of 18. The MTD and DLT of 5-Azacitidine (7 doses over 9 days) given monthly combined with Everolimus orally for 17 days (day 5-21) each month (1 cycle) for a minimum of 6 cycles and for at least 2 cycles beyond achievement of CR and for a maximum of 12 cycles. Everolimus maintenance therapy alone may be continued at investigator's discretion until either progressive disease or dose limiting toxicity. Groups of 3 patients will be entered at each dose level. Dose escalation/stopping rules to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) are as follows:

Number in cohort experiencing DLT by day 42 Action 2/3 or 3/3 No further dose escalation. Previous level is defined as MTD 0/3 Dose escalate to next level 1/3 Expand cohort to 6 patients 1/6 or 2/6 Dose escalate to next level \>2/6 No further dose escalation. Previous level is defined as MTD

Note that if dose escalation is still indicated at the highest dose level, then the MTD is at or above the last dose level. If the trial stops at the first dose, then the MTD is below the first dose level. In either of the above cases, the MTD is not determined from the trial.

Once the maximum dose level has been identified, a dose expansion phase will continue recruiting patients at the MTD until a total of 40 patients for the entire study is accrued.

Eligibility Criteria:
Untreated AML patients (defined by WHO 2008 criteria) over the age of 60 or relapsed/refractory AML over the age of 18 who have received up to 2 previous lines of intensive chemotherapy

* No prior failure to achieve at least a PR with Azacitidine or Everolimus
* Provision of written informed consent
* Secondary AML (including therapy-related) are included
* Life expectancy of greater than 3 months in relation to diseases other then AML/MDS
* ECOG performance status 0 - 3
* Electrolyte levels (potassium, calcium (albumin-adjusted), magnesium, phosphorous) within normal limits (WNL) or easily correctable with supplements
* Adequate hepatic function as defined by bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x the upper limit of normal (ULN) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 2.5 x ULN
* Adequate renal function, with serum creatinine ≤ 1.5 x ULN or GFR \> 30 ml/minute
* Patients with no uncontrolled active infection
* Hydroxyurea ceased 48 hours prior to study therapy

Exclusion Criteria

* Any serious medical or psychiatric conditions which the investigator feels may interfere with the patient's ability to give informed consent or participate in the procedures or evaluations of the study
* History of major non-compliance to medication
* Evidence of CNS leukemia
* Uncontrolled viral infection with known HIV or Hepatitis type B or C
* Currently active gastrointestinal disease (e.g., ulcerative diseases, uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, malabsorption syndrome, or small bowel resection), or other disease, that prevents the patient from absorbing or taking oral medication
* Any other concurrent severe and/or uncontrolled medical conditions (eg. acute or chronic liver disease, infection, pulmonary disease) that in the opinion of the investigator could potentiate unacceptable safety risks or jeopardize compliance with the protocol
* Males with a female partner of childbearing potential do not agree to use at least 2 effective contraceptive methods throughout the study and for 6 months following the date of last dose