An anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for some cancers
Tislelizumab
An immunotherapy given by drip that helps the immune system attack certain cancers, such as some oesophageal and lung cancers.
What is Tislelizumab?
Tislelizumab is a specialist cancer immunotherapy that helps the body's own immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It is used for certain cancers, including some cancers of the oesophagus (gullet) and lung, and is given as a drip into a vein. Because it switches the immune system up, its main risks are immune-related side effects that can affect almost any organ, such as the lungs, bowel, liver, skin and hormone glands, as well as reactions during the infusion. These need to be reported early so they can be treated. It is given under the care of a cancer specialist team.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Tislelizumab — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Tislelizumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor, a type of cancer immunotherapy. Cancers can hide from the immune system by switching on a 'brake' called PD-1 on immune cells; tislelizumab is an antibody that blocks this brake so the immune system can find and attack the cancer. It is used to treat certain cancers, including some cancers of the oesophagus (gullet) and lung, sometimes on its own and sometimes alongside chemotherapy. It is given as an infusion (drip) into a vein under the care of a specialist cancer team.
How it works
Tislelizumab blocks PD-1, a protein on immune cells that normally acts as a brake to stop them attacking the body's own tissues. Some cancers use this brake to switch off the immune response and avoid being attacked. By blocking PD-1, tislelizumab takes the brake off, allowing the immune system, particularly T-cells, to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The same boost in immune activity is also what causes its characteristic side effects: the immune system can sometimes turn on healthy tissues, causing inflammation in organs such as the lungs, bowel, liver and hormone glands.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist cancer immunotherapy used in the UK to treat certain cancers, including some cancers of the oesophagus (gullet) and lung.
Practical use
How to take Tislelizumab
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given as a drip into a vein in a cancer day unit, on a schedule set by your specialist team.
- Report any new or unusual symptoms, such as diarrhoea, breathlessness, cough, severe tiredness or a rash, straight away, even after treatment has finished.
- Attend all appointments for blood tests, as these check your hormones, liver and other organs.
- Use effective contraception during treatment and for the period your team advises if you could become pregnant.
- Carry your immunotherapy alert card and show it to any healthcare professional who treats you.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Tislelizumab
Advantages
- Helps the immune system attack certain cancers, offering a treatment option for some oesophageal and lung cancers.
- Can be used on its own or together with chemotherapy depending on the cancer.
- Given as a drip on a regular schedule under specialist care.
Disadvantages
- Can cause immune-related side effects that may affect almost any organ and need prompt treatment.
- Reactions can occur during the infusion.
- Requires regular hospital visits and blood-test monitoring under a specialist team.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important thing to understand about tislelizumab is that, because it boosts the immune system, it can cause immune-related side effects that may affect almost any part of the body, including the lungs (breathlessness or cough), bowel (diarrhoea), liver, skin, and hormone glands such as the thyroid, pituitary or adrenal glands. These can come on during treatment or even weeks to months after it finishes, and catching them early matters, so any new or unusual symptom should be reported straight away rather than waited out. Reactions can also happen during the drip itself. Because it can affect an unborn baby, effective contraception is important during treatment and for a period afterwards in those who could become pregnant. The specialist team monitors blood tests, including hormone and liver tests, throughout treatment.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to tislelizumab should not receive it.
- It is used with great care in people with active autoimmune conditions, as it can make them worse.
- It is generally avoided in pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby; it is given only under specialist cancer care.
Monitoring
- Regular blood tests, including liver, kidney and hormone (such as thyroid) tests.
- Watching for immune-related side effects affecting any organ, during and after treatment.
- Reviewing how the cancer is responding with scans and clinical assessment.
Side effects
- Tiredness, reduced appetite, rash or itching, and aching joints or muscles.
- Immune-related inflammation of organs such as the lungs (breathlessness, cough), bowel (diarrhoea), liver or hormone glands.
- Reactions during the drip, such as chills, fever or breathlessness.
- Less commonly but seriously, severe immune reactions affecting the lungs, bowel, liver, kidneys, heart or nervous system.
Key interactions
- Steroids and other medicines that dampen the immune system can reduce how well it works, so tell your team if you take them.
- It may be combined with chemotherapy, which adds its own side effects, under specialist supervision.
- Always give your team a full list of your medicines, including anything bought over the counter.
Available as: A solution given as a drip (infusion) into a vein.
Answers
Tislelizumab: frequently asked questions
What is tislelizumab used for?
It is a cancer immunotherapy used for certain cancers, including some cancers of the oesophagus (gullet) and lung, that helps the immune system attack the cancer.
How does it work?
It blocks a brake on immune cells called PD-1, allowing the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Why can it cause so many different side effects?
Because it boosts the immune system, it can sometimes make the immune system attack healthy tissues, causing inflammation in organs such as the lungs, bowel, liver or hormone glands.
When should I report side effects?
Report any new or unusual symptoms straight away, even after treatment ends, as immune-related side effects are easier to treat when caught early.
Do I need contraception?
Yes, if you could become pregnant, effective contraception is important during treatment and for the period your team advises, because it can harm an unborn baby.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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