The best treatment for recurrent cancers or those that do not respond to therapies is not
known. Typically, patients with these cancers receive a combination of cancer drugs
(chemotherapy), surgery, or radiation therapy. These treatments can prolong their life but
may not offer a long-term cure.
This study proposes using a drug called Sirolimus in combination with common chemotherapy
drugs to treat patients with recurrent and refractory solid tumors. Sirolimus has been found
to inhibit cell growth and to have anti-tumor activity in pediatric solid tumors in previous
studies and, therefore, has the potential to increase the effectiveness of the chemotherapy
drugs when given together.
This study wil investigate the highest dose of Sirolimus that can be given orally with other
oral chemotherapy drugs. Cohorts of 2 subjects will be started at the minimum dose. The dose
will be increased in the next 2 subjects as long as there were no major reactions in the
previous groups. This study will also seek to learn more about the side effects of sirolimus
when used in this combination and what effects the drug has on the white cells and the immune
system. Successful use of this drug will impact the cancer population greatly by providing an
increased chance of survival to those with resistant or recurrent cancers.