Torisel (Temsirolimus) for Kidney Cancer

Overview
Torisel is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This therapy is typically used in cases where the cancer has spread and cannot be treated with surgery alone. Torisel is also known by its drug name, temsirolimus.

Torisel is a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking a protein involved in cancer cell growth and division. By interfering with this signaling pathway, Torisel may help slow or stop the progression of kidney cancer.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Torisel is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion once a week. Each infusion is administered over a 30 to 60 minute period. Individuals are treated until their disease progresses or they experience unacceptable side effects. An antihistamine is typically recommended before each infusion to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. The drug must be carefully prepared by diluting it first with a special diluent and then with saline. Torisel should be administered exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Torisel include rash, asthenia (weakness), mucositis (mouth sores), nausea, edema (swelling), and anorexia (loss of appetite). Common laboratory abnormalities include anemia (low red blood cell count), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides), elevated liver enzymes, increased creatinine (a kidney function marker), lymphopenia and leukopenia (low white blood cells, hypophosphatemia (low phosphate levels), and thrombocytopenia (low platelets).

Rare but serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions, liver toxicity, serious infections due to immune suppression, interstitial lung disease (inflammation and scarring of the lungs), bowel perforation, kidney failure, and problems with wound healing. Torisel may also cause nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder causing protein loss in urine). People should not receive live vaccines during treatment. Use of Torisel during pregnancy can harm the unborn baby, and effective contraception should be used during treatment.

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Label: Torisel — Temsirolimus Kit — DailyMed