We all know that fighting cancer is not an easy journey. But with the advancement of medicine, there are many powerful drugs that can help us in this fight. Today we are going to talk about one such special, modern drug. Perhaps a doctor has told you or a loved one about this drug. The name of this drug is Tebentafusp. Let's see what it does, how it is used, and what we need to know.
What kind of medicine is Tebentafusp?
Simply put, Tebentafusp is a drug that helps our body's own immune system destroy cancer cells. It is specifically used to treat a rare type of cancer that occurs inside the eye called Uveal Melanoma .
Think of our immune system as an army that defends our country. Sometimes, enemies called cancer cells hide without being caught by this army. Tebentafusp works like a clever spy. It finds cancer cells, attaches to a special protein on them, and sends a signal to our immune system, saying, "Here is the enemy, come and attack." In this way, the basic function of this drug is to use the body's own defense system to attack the cancer.
This medicine is available in the market under the name KIMMTRAK . It may also be used for other conditions. You can talk to your doctor about this and find out more.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start this treatment, it's very important to talk openly with your medical team. Be sure to mention any of the following if they apply to you.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Tebentafusp or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your baby.
Based on this information, doctors will decide whether this treatment is right for you and how to do it safely.
How is the medicine given?
Tebentafusp is not a medicine you can take home. It is given as an injection into a vein . This means it is like an IV drip, or saline. This treatment is always given in a hospital or clinic, under the full supervision of doctors and nurses. So there is no reason to worry about your safety.
Important: Do not miss your doctor's appointments. Taking all doses on time is essential for the success of your treatment. If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment for any reason, please contact your healthcare team immediately.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of the medicine, inform the medical team immediately. If necessary, they will contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. In the event of an emergency, you will be referred directly to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Things to consider during treatment
Your medical team will monitor you very closely while you are taking this medicine.
- Blood tests: You will need to have regular blood work to monitor the results and side effects of your treatment.
- Other medications: Give your doctor a complete list of all other medications you are taking (medicines for other conditions, vitamins, traditional or Ayurvedic medicines, supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol. Some things can interact with this medicine.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important.
- Tebentafusp is a very powerful drug that stimulates the body's own immune system and is used to treat eye cancer called uveal melanoma.
- This medicine is given in a hospital, through a vein, under medical supervision.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you are taking.
- Be aware of the symptoms of serious side effects (especially CRS, liver problems, allergies). If you experience any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding completely during treatment and for one week after stopping.
- Stay in touch with your medical team. Don't be afraid to ask any questions or concerns you have.
You should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for a week after stopping treatment. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for a week after stopping treatment. Ask your doctor for more information about this.
What side effects can occur?
Like any strong medicine, Tebentafusp can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some of the side effects are serious, so it is important to be aware of them. Let's look at them in a table.
| Side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or hospital immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) | This is a condition caused by the immune system suddenly becoming overactive. Symptoms may include fever, chills, body aches, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and difficulty breathing. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, pale stools, dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and unusual tiredness. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach pain or diarrhea | Abdominal pain or diarrhea. |
| Dry skin | The skin becomes dry and scaly. |
| Muscle pain | Body, muscle pain. |
| Swelling | Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything else that is different or unusual, tell your doctor about it.
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