temsirolimus at a glance
Medicine class
Targeted anticancer treatment; selective mTOR inhibitor
Licensed uses
Selected advanced renal cell carcinoma and relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma in adults
Administration
Given into a vein by a trained healthcare professional after specialist preparation
Infusion precautions
Patients are observed for infusion reactions
What is temsirolimus used for?
Licensed uses in adults are:
First-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma in patients with at least three specified adverse prognostic risk factors.
Mantle cell lymphoma that has relapsed or not responded adequately to previous treatment.
How does temsirolimus work?
Temsirolimus binds to FKBP-12, forming a complex that inhibits mTOR. This disrupts proteins supporting tumour-cell growth and division and may reduce signals involved in tumour blood-vessel development.
temsirolimus preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 30 mg
How to take temsirolimus
Temsirolimus is not taken by mouth. A healthcare professional experienced in anticancer treatment prepares and administers it as an intravenous infusion.
The concentrate is mixed with its supplied solvent and then diluted in sodium chloride infusion solution.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice because they may increase exposure to temsirolimus and its active metabolite.
Tell staff immediately about symptoms beginning during the infusion.
temsirolimus side effects
Common or expected effects
- Tiredness, weakness, fever, chills or swelling
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or reduced appetite
- Sore or inflamed mouth and digestive tract
- Rash, itching or dry skin
- Cough, breathlessness or infections
- Headache, sleep difficulty or altered taste
- Anaemia, reduced platelets or reduced infection-fighting white blood cells
- Raised blood glucose, cholesterol or triglycerides
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic or infusion reaction
- Serious infection, including opportunistic pneumonia
- New or worsening cough, breathlessness or fever suggesting pneumonitis or infection
- Significant bleeding, including possible bleeding within the brain
- Pulmonary embolism, intestinal perforation or acute kidney failure
- Severe blistering skin reaction or unexplained muscle breakdown
temsirolimus in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is inadequate, while animal studies found embryo-fetal harm. Temsirolimus should not be used during pregnancy unless the specialist considers that the expected maternal benefit justifies the fetal risk. Discuss effective contraception and any suspected pregnancy promptly with the oncology team.
temsirolimus while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether temsirolimus enters human milk. Its active metabolite has been found in animal milk, and serious effects in a breastfed infant are possible. Breastfeeding should stop during treatment; seek specialist advice about infant feeding.
temsirolimus interactions
The oncology and pharmacy teams should review prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products before treatment.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including ritonavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole
May increase exposure to the active substances and should generally be avoided.
CYP3A4 inducers, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital
May reduce exposure to the active metabolite and should generally be avoided.
St John's wort
May reduce treatment exposure and should be avoided.
Common questions about temsirolimus
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is temsirolimus chemotherapy or targeted therapy?
It is a targeted anticancer treatment that inhibits mTOR, a signalling protein involved in tumour-cell growth, division and blood-vessel development.
How is temsirolimus given?
A trained healthcare professional prepares it and gives it through a vein. It is not for self-administration.
Why is an antihistamine given beforehand?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.