Temsirolimus
A weekly infusion that was the first drug to extend survival in poor-risk kidney cancer (2007), and in 2024 the first targeted drug to improve outcomes in childhood rhabdomyosarcoma.
Global ARCC trial (NEJM 2007): OS 10.9 vs 7.3 months versus interferon in poor-risk metastatic RCC; approved 2007. Displaced in RCC by VEGF TKIs and immunotherapy. Approved in EU for relapsed mantle cell lymphoma (2009). COG ARST1431 (2024) showed improved event-free survival when added to VAC/VI in intermediate-risk rhabdomyosarcoma.
- Medicare
- Part B (clinician-administered)
Given by infusion or injection in a clinic or hospital outpatient department, so it is a Part B drug: Medicare pays 80% after the Part B deductible and the patient owes 20% coinsurance, uncapped in Original Medicare unless a Medigap policy applies. Weekly infusion; generic available.
- Commercial insurance
- covered on label
Multi-source generic; covered under the medical benefit without prior authorisation in most plans, as part of standard regimens.
Sources: Medicare.gov: Chemotherapy · Medicare.gov: Prescription drugs (outpatient, Part B). Not medical or financial advice; verify with your plan.
- Appraised for
- First-line poor-prognosis advanced RCC
- Notes
- TA178 (bevacizumab, sorafenib, sunitinib and temsirolimus for RCC) recommended only sunitinib.
Sources: NICE TA178. Funding decisions are indication-specific and change monthly; verify with NICE and your treating team.
Approvals
| Region | Year | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| US | 2007 | Advanced renal cell carcinoma |
| EU | 2009 | Advanced RCC (poor risk); relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma |
Trials
topRecruiting now (live from ClinicalTrials.gov)
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Latest papers
topQuery for this drug: (TITLE:"Temsirolimus" OR ABSTRACT:"Temsirolimus" OR TITLE:"Torisel" OR ABSTRACT:"Torisel") AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumour OR oncology OR carcinoma OR lymphoma OR leukemia OR leukaemia OR myeloma OR sarcoma OR melanoma OR glioma). Results are unfiltered search hits about Temsirolimus, not a curated reading list.