Torisel^TM

Torisel™ is a kinase inhibitor used to treat advanced kidney cancer, also known as advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Torisel™ is what is known as an mTOR inhibitor that is administered intravenously once a week. mTOR stands for "mammalian target of rapamycin." A protein plays a very important role in controlling the natural life cycle of cells in the kidneys (renal cells). In patients with kidney cancer, changes have been incurred in cell function that creates an accelerated growth rate of cells to form tumors. As an mTOR inhibitor, Torisel™ may interfere with the cell growth process to decrease tumor cell growth rates.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we maintain a commitment to treating all of you, and not just your cancer. Our integrative care team can work to help you decide if Torisel™ would be a good option for your needs. We can also discuss other therapies to help enhance the effectiveness and reduce side effects of kidney cancer treatment.

If you would like to learn more about our approach to kidney cancer treatment, you can chat now with an oncology specialist.

Before taking Torisel™, patients should consult their doctors regarding allergies. Some allergic reactions can be severe, and patients experiencing allergic reactions to Torisel™ should seek emergency medical treatment at the first sign of a reaction.

An allergic reaction to Torisel™ may include symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Development of a rash or hives
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face

Aside from an allergic reaction, Torisel™ may also bring about other serious side effects in some patients. If you experience any of the following side effects when using Torisel™, you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Pain in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Fever
• Pale skin
• Easy bruising/bleeding
• Weakness
• Sensation of warmth, redness, or tingling under the skin
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Shifts in moods
• Changes in urinary frequency (or even not urinating at all)
• Bloody, black, or tar-like stools
• Feeling of being thirsty
• Acute stomach pain
• Unusual changes in appetite
• Nausea/vomiting
• Weight gain

Most patients using Torisel™, however, will not experience serious side effects. There are more common, yet less serious side effects that can occur. In most instances, these less serious side effects of Torisel™ tend to occur as the body is adjusting to having Torisel™ in its system. These side effects of Torisel™ may include:

• Development of minor skin rash
• White patches or sores inside appearing in the mouth or on the lips

The side effects listed here should not be considered a comprehensive list of side effects. Because each patient is unique, there is potential to develop more than one side effect or to develop side effects not listed here. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), our cancer care professionals are dedicated to discussing the possible side effects you may encounter from using Torisel™.

Torisel™ was approved by the U.S. FDA in May 2007 for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (sometimes called advanced kidney cancer). Renal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 85 percent of kidney cancers.

Torisel™ is unique in that it is the only advanced kidney cancer treatment that specifically targets the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) kinase, a key protein in kidney cancer cells that affects their ability to divide and grow. It has been shown in clinical studies to extend the median survival rate of people with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

The cancer care professionals at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) can discuss the option of having Torisel™ as part of your kidney cancer treatment plan, as well as a host of other traditional and innovative treatment options. Learn more today by calling CTCA at 800-615-3055.