Torisel chemotherapy is used in the treatment of advanced renal cancer. Torisel is the trade name for the drug Temsirolimus. Torisel is a targeted chemotherapy. This drug is classified as an mTOR inhibitor. It is given intravenously and the dose and frequency of the drug depends upon the overall health of the patient along with the doctor’s decision.

The Way Torisel Works

Chemotherapy drugs work by killing the fast dividing cells in the body. mTOR inhibitors block an important protein that helps in the cell division, survival and growth of cells. Blocking this protein leads to the death of cancer cells.

This drug also slows down the tumor growth and hence increases survival in many patients. Torisel inhibits a specific enzyme called mammalian target of rapamycin i.e. mTOR. This is a link in the chemical pathway that triggers cell growth. Hence by inhibiting this enzyme, the tumor growth slows down. Torisel destroys the ability of the cancer cells to form their own blood supply and hence inhibits tumor growth.

Side Effects of Torisel

Torisel causes side effects just like any other cancer chemotherapy drug. Some of the most common side effects are-

• Low blood counts that leads to weakness and anemia, increased risk of infection or unexplained bruising and bleeding depending on the cells that decrease in number.
• Fatigue
• Skin Rash
• Mouth sores
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling on the skin
• Loss of appetite
• Increased blood glucose levels
• Increased blood cholesterol levels
• Decrease in blood phosphate levels
• Increased liver enzymes
• Increased blood creatine levels

Less common side effects

• Fever, Susceptibility to minor infections
• Vomiting and nausea
• Weight loss
• Taste changes
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Chest pain, back pain, and abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• Constipation
• Swollen nasal passages, bleeding nostrils
• Itching and skin irritation
• Dry skin, acne, nail discoloration
• Decreased potassium levels in the blood

Torisel Chemotherapy Precautions:

• Make sure to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking or you have taken in the past. This includes OTC medicines, herbal supplements, prescribed medications and alternative therapies.
• Do not take aspirin or aspirin based products unless your doctor permits.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as it increases the adverse effects of Torisel.
• Do not receive any immunization or vaccination without consulting your doctor.
• Inform your doctor in case you or your partner is pregnant or plan to conceive a child in future.
• Do not breast feed while under torisel chemotherapy.
• Do not take Torisel along with blood-thinner medications like warfarin, HIV/AIDS medications, antifungal medications like ketoconazole and anti-seizure drugs like carbamazepine.
• Taking torisel with these drugs causes drug interactions that can lead to severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This also reduces the effectiveness of torisel.

Torisel chemotherapy has been fairly effective in some patients of renal cancer. Research and clinical trials are going on to use temsirolimus in other types of cancers like including treatment of breast cancer and treatment for lymphoma. Torisel is also being tried with other drugs like cetuximab and cisplatin in clinical trials for the treatment of head and neck cancers.