Tisotumab vedotin at a glance
Medicine class
Tissue factor-directed antibody–drug conjugate
Licensed use
Recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer progressing during or after systemic treatment
Administration
Intravenous infusion prepared and given by an oncology team; it must not be injected as a push or bolus
Key safety focus
Eye reactions, peripheral neuropathy and severe skin reactions require active monitoring
What is Tisotumab vedotin used for?
Licensed as monotherapy for:
Adults with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer whose disease has progressed during or after systemic therapy.
How does Tisotumab vedotin work?
The antibody binds to tissue factor on cancer cells and is taken inside them. MMAE is released and disrupts microtubules needed for cell division, causing cell-cycle arrest and cancer-cell death. Laboratory evidence also supports bystander and immune-mediated effects.
How to take Tisotumab vedotin
Tisotumab vedotin is prepared and given into a vein by trained healthcare professionals. Follow the prescribed eye-protection plan, which may include eye drops and cooling eye pads around the infusion. Avoid contact lenses during treatment unless an eye-care professional advises otherwise.
Report new or worsening eye symptoms promptly.
Use prescribed protective eye drops exactly as directed.
Do not prepare or administer this treatment yourself.
Tisotumab vedotin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Numbness, tingling, burning pain or weakness from peripheral neuropathy
- Red, dry, irritated or inflamed eyes, including conjunctivitis and keratitis
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or abdominal pain
- Nosebleeds
- Anaemia, tiredness, weakness or fever
- Hair loss, rash, itching or reduced appetite
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe eye pain, corneal damage or vision changes
- Blistering, peeling or target-like skin lesions, especially with mucosal sores or fever
- Severe or worsening peripheral neuropathy affecting strength, sensation or walking
- Febrile neutropenia or other signs of serious infection
- Heavy or persistent bleeding
Tisotumab vedotin in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are unavailable, and this treatment may harm an unborn baby. Pregnancy status should be checked before treatment. Effective contraception is advised during treatment and for at least 2 months afterwards for patients who could become pregnant, and during treatment and for at least 4 months afterwards for male patients with partners who could become pregnant. Discuss a planned or actual pregnancy with the specialist team.
Tisotumab vedotin while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether tisotumab vedotin passes into human milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. Breastfeeding should stop during treatment and for at least 3 weeks afterwards; discuss feeding options with the specialist team.
Tisotumab vedotin interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been conducted. Tell the oncology team about all prescribed, non-prescribed and complementary products.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, ritonavir and cobicistat
May increase exposure to unconjugated MMAE and the likelihood of adverse effects, so closer monitoring is advised.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers, including rifampicin
May reduce exposure to unconjugated MMAE and alter treatment activity.
Common questions about Tisotumab vedotin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is tisotumab vedotin chemotherapy or immunotherapy?
It is an antibody–drug conjugate: a targeted antibody carries the chemotherapy-like payload MMAE into tissue factor-expressing cancer cells. It also has laboratory-demonstrated immune-mediated effects.
Why are eye checks needed?
Treatment can cause conjunctivitis, dry eye, keratitis and occasionally serious corneal injury. Baseline assessment and prompt review help detect problems early.
Can I wear contact lenses during treatment?
Contact lenses should generally be avoided unless an eye-care professional specifically advises they are safe.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.