tebentafusp at a glance
Medicine class
Bispecific T-cell receptor and CD3-engaging fusion protein.
Who may receive it
Adults with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma confirmed as HLA-A*02:01-positive.
Administration
Given as a diluted intravenous infusion by a trained healthcare team in a hospital or clinic.
Important early risk
Cytokine release syndrome can cause fever, low blood pressure or breathing problems, so close observation is required, particularly during initial treatment.
What is tebentafusp used for?
UK-licensed use:
Monotherapy for HLA-A*02:01-positive adults with uveal melanoma that is unresectable or metastatic.
How does tebentafusp work?
One part of tebentafusp recognises a gp100 peptide displayed with HLA-A*02:01 on uveal melanoma cells. Another part binds CD3 on T cells. This forms an immune connection that activates the T cells to release inflammatory signals and proteins that kill the targeted tumour cell.
tebentafusp preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 200 micrograms/mL
How to take tebentafusp
Tebentafusp is prepared and given by healthcare professionals as an intravenous infusion. The concentrate is diluted with sodium chloride solution containing human albumin and administered through a dedicated line with an appropriate low-protein-binding filter. Initial infusions are given in hospital with extended observation; later infusions may be given in a clinic if earlier treatment was manageable.
Do not attempt to prepare or administer tebentafusp yourself.
Tell the team promptly if you feel feverish, dizzy, breathless, itchy or unwell during or after the infusion.
Follow the oncology unit’s instructions about appointments, blood tests and observation.
tebentafusp side effects
Common or expected effects
- Rash, itching, redness, dry skin or changes in skin pigmentation
- Fever, chills, fatigue or flu-like symptoms
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort
- Headache, dizziness, tingling or sleep disturbance
- Swelling, flushing or changes in blood pressure
- Muscle, joint, back or limb pain
- Changes in liver tests, blood-cell counts, electrolytes or pancreatic enzymes
Get urgent medical advice
- Cytokine release syndrome: fever with low blood pressure, marked dizziness, breathing difficulty, rapid heartbeat or severe weakness
- Severe or extensive rash, hives, peeling skin, or swelling of the face or around the eyes
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, breathlessness or faintness
- Tumour lysis syndrome, which may cause significant blood-chemistry disturbances
tebentafusp in pregnancy
There are no adequate pregnancy data, and tebentafusp is not recommended during pregnancy. Pregnancy status should be checked before treatment where relevant. Effective contraception is advised during treatment and for at least one week after treatment ends; pregnancy or plans to conceive should be discussed promptly with the oncology team.
tebentafusp while breastfeeding
It is not known whether tebentafusp enters human milk, and a risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. Breastfeeding should stop during treatment; discuss feeding options with the oncology and maternity teams.
tebentafusp interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Temporary cytokine release after starting tebentafusp may reduce CYP450 enzyme activity and alter exposure to some medicines.
Narrow-therapeutic-index CYP450 substrates, including warfarin or ciclosporin
Toxicity or medicine concentrations may increase temporarily, so additional clinical, blood-test or concentration monitoring may be needed.
Replacement corticosteroids for adrenal insufficiency
The prescriber may need to review corticosteroid requirements while tebentafusp is being given.
Common questions about tebentafusp
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is tebentafusp chemotherapy?
It is an anticancer immunotherapy rather than conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. It redirects T cells towards uveal melanoma cells carrying a specific gp100 and HLA target.
What cancer is tebentafusp licensed to treat?
It is licensed for HLA-A*02:01-positive adults with uveal melanoma that cannot be surgically removed or has spread elsewhere in the body.
Why is an HLA test needed before tebentafusp?
Tebentafusp recognises gp100 only when it is displayed by HLA-A*02:01. A validated genetic test therefore confirms whether its target is present.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.