Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wyeth drug, Temsirolimus (Torisel), for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma. According to company research, it has shown better results than interferon-alpha treatments. This drug will be available for treatment of patients in July.
Renal cell carcinoma accounts for about 85% of kidney cancers. According to American cancer society estimates, 51,000 new kidney cancer cases will be diagnosed this year of which 20,000 will be in advanced disease. Previously Nexavar (2005) and Sutent (2006) are approved for the treatment of Kidney cancer. Many kidney cancer patients are cured by removing the tumor through surgery but problems arise due to 35% recurrence or metastasis. At this advanced stage, prevention of spread is more important. Here Interferons and Torisel play vital roles.
Mechanism of action of Temsirolimus:
It blocks the function of the Rapamycin, a key protein that regulates the cell proliferation, growth and survival. It may also block the process of angiogenesis, a process that tumors used to create a blood supply to maintain their growth.
Side-effects of Torisel:
When compared to Interferons, tolerance is better with Torisel. Rash, Fatigue, Mouth sores and Nausea are common side effects. These side effects are reported in 25-30% of patients.
High blood sugar, elevated blood lipids and low blood counts are also found.
Effect of treatment: (according to company data)With interferon – 7.3 months of survival in advanced renal carcinoma patients.
With Torisel – 10.9 months of survival.
Approval of Torisel is another mile stone in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.
