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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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This information is about temsirolimus (Torisel®). It may be used to treat people with kidney cancer| (also known as renal cancer) that has spread. It can also be used to treat mantle cell lymphoma| that has been previously treated.
Temsirolimus is a type of drug called a kinase inhibitor. Kinases act as chemical messengers in the body.
Temsirolimus works by blocking a kinase called mTOR. mTOR sends signals to the cancer cells that tell them to grow. Temsirolimus blocks these signals and so interferes with the cancer’s ability to grow.
Temsirolimus can also stop the cancer from making new blood vessels. Cancer cells need to make new blood vessels to grow and spread.
People with kidney cancer make high levels of a substance called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates the production of blood vessels. Temsirolimus blocks this growth factor and stops new blood vessels from being produced.
Temsirolimus is licensed and can be prescribed in the UK to treat people with some types of kidney cancer that has spread (advanced cancer). It's also licensed and can be prescribed in the UK to treat people with mantle cell lymphoma that has come back after chemotherapy| or that hasn't responded to chemotherapy.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE|) currently gives advice on which new drugs or treatments should be available on the NHS in England and Wales. The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC|) makes recommendations on the use of new drugs within the NHS in Scotland. NICE and the SMC have not approved the use of temsirolimus for kidney cancer or for mantle cell lymphoma.
As a result, temsirolimus may not be widely available on the NHS, although you may be given it as part of a clinical trial. We can give you more information on what you can do if a treatment isn’t available|.
Temsirolimus is given as drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) once a week. Each infusion usually takes between 30-60 minutes.
Each person's reaction to cancer treatment is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others experience more. The side effects described here won't affect everyone having this treatment. We've outlined the most common side effects but haven't included those that are rare and therefore unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects that aren't listed here, discuss them with your doctor or specialist nurse.
Side effects of temsirolimus fall into two groups:
If reactions occur they are usually mild, but rarely they can be more severe. Reactions are most likely to happen with the first or second infusion, although they may occur with later infusions. If you have a reaction, this can usually be treated by stopping the drip until you feel better.
You may also be given treatment with antihistamines. You’ll be given them before the infusion to reduce the chance of you having a reaction.
You will be monitored closely during the infusion, but tell your nurse or doctor if you feel unwell or have any of the following symptoms:
Rarely, an infusion-related reaction can happen a few hours after treatment. If you develop these symptoms or feel unwell after you get home, contact the hospital straight away for advice.
You may feel tired| during and after your treatment. It’s important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest. Try balancing this with some gentle exercise, which may help you to feel less tired.
A rash, redness or dry itchy skin is quite common. These effects are usually mild. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you have any of these symptoms. They can advise you about creams or lotions to use, or prescribe medicines to relieve itching.
Temsirolimus can lower the number of white blood cells produced by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection|. Your blood cell numbers (blood count) will be monitored while you're having treatment.
You may become anaemic while having treatment with temsirolimus. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if you develop these symptoms.
Your mouth may become sore|, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids, and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush, can help. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have mouth problems, as they can prescribe mouthwashes or medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infections.
A dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital can give advice about how to boost your appetite|, cope with eating difficulties| and maintain your weight.
Mild nausea| is quite common but is usually easy to control. Your doctor can prescribe anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce this.
Some people have swelling in their ankles or sometimes in their face caused by fluid retention. This is not harmful but can be uncomfortable. Let your doctor know if you are affected.
Your blood sugar levels will be checked by blood tests. Tell your doctor if you get very thirsty or are passing more urine than usual, as these may be signs of raised blood sugar. If you have diabetes you may need to take extra care in checking your blood sugar levels. Contact your doctor if you have any problems controlling your blood sugar.
Temsirolimus can reduce the production of platelets, which help the blood to clot. This can cause bleeding gums and bruising or blood in the urine or stools. If you have unusual bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.
Temsirolimus increases the risk of getting a blood clot. If you become breathless or develop redness, swelling or pain in one of your limbs, especially in your lower leg, tell your doctor straight away.
Samples of your blood may be taken from time to time to monitor this.
This is more likely if you already have lung problems. Always let your doctor know if you have or develop any problems with your breathing|.
You may notice that you have muscle or joint pain. Let your doctor know if you get these side effects as they can prescribe painkillers|.
This can usually be easily controlled with medicine, but tell your doctor if it's severe or continues. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea|.
Constipation| can usually be helped by drinking plenty of fluids, eating a high-fibre diet and taking gentle exercise. Sometimes you may need to take medicines called laxatives to stimulate your bowels. These can be prescribed by your doctor.
If you get pain in the tummy (abdomen) or if it gets worse let your doctor know.
It's important to let your doctor know straight away if you feel unwell or have any severe side effects, even if they're not mentioned above.
Some medicines can interact with temsirolimus and may make it less effective. Tell your doctor know about any medicines you're taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies| and herbal drugs|. Avoid taking St John’s wort, eating grapefruitsor drinking grapefruit juice while you are having temsirolimus.
It's not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while having temsirolimus, as it may harm the developing baby. It’s important to use effective contraception while having this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. You can discuss this with your doctor.
It’s not known whether biological therapies can be present in semen or vaginal fluids. To protect your partner, it’s safest to either avoid sex or use a barrier form of contraception for about 48 hours after treatment.
This must be avoided while taking temsirolimus.
It’s not yet known what effects temsirolimus may have on your ability to have children in the future (fertility|). If you have concerns about fertility, it's important to discuss them with your doctor before beginning treatment.
You should avoid having live vaccines during treatment and for at least 12 months afterwards. Live vaccines include BCG, yellow fever, measles, mumps, rubella, liquid typhoid, poliomyelitis liquid and MMR.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
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