What is Dostarlimab used for?

endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus); and some other cancers with certain tumor test results.

What are the common side effects of Dostarlimab?

Feeling tired. Rash or itchy skin. Diarrhea. Muscle or joint aches. Not feeling hungry. Upset stomach.

When should I call my care team while taking Dostarlimab?

Diarrhea, belly pain, or bloody or black stools; A new or worse cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath; Yellow skin or eyes, very dark pee, or pain on the right side of the belly; Bad headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, or feeling very cold or very hot; Feeling very thirsty, peeing a lot, or confusion (signs of high blood sugar); Chest pain, a fast or uneven heartbeat, or muscle weakness; A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth.

Dostarlimab

Say it: doh-STAR-lih-mab · Brand names: Jemperli

Dostarlimab is an immunotherapy medicine that helps your own immune system fight cancer.

What it is

Cancer cells can hide from the immune system by pressing a brake called PD-1 on immune cells. Dostarlimab blocks this brake. This helps your immune system find and attack the cancer.

Often used for

endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus)
and some other cancers with certain tumor test results

How you get it

Dostarlimab is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion takes about 30 minutes. It is often given every 3 weeks at first, then every 6 weeks. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
Rash or itchy skin. Use gentle soap and unscented lotion, and tell your team.
Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and tell your team, because it can be a sign of bowel inflammation.
Muscle or joint aches. Ask your team which pain medicine is safe.
Not feeling hungry. Eat small snacks during the day.
Upset stomach. Eat small meals and drink fluids slowly.

Call your care team right away if you have

Diarrhea, belly pain, or bloody or black stools
A new or worse cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath
Yellow skin or eyes, very dark pee, or pain on the right side of the belly
Bad headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, or feeling very cold or very hot
Feeling very thirsty, peeing a lot, or confusion (signs of high blood sugar)
Chest pain, a fast or uneven heartbeat, or muscle weakness
A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth

Before you start, tell your team

If you have an autoimmune disease, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
If you have had an organ transplant or a stem cell transplant, or plan to have one
If you have lung or breathing problems, or have had radiation to the chest
If you have a nerve or muscle disease, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barre syndrome
If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, including steroids

Good to know

It can make the immune system attack healthy organs, such as the lungs, bowel, liver, glands, kidneys, or skin. This can happen during treatment or months after it ends.
You will have blood tests to check your liver, kidneys, thyroid, and blood sugar.
If a side effect happens, your team may pause treatment and give you steroids. Tell every doctor you see that you are on immunotherapy.
Some people have a reaction during the infusion, such as chills, flushing, or trouble breathing. Your nurse will watch you.
It can harm an unborn baby. Use birth control during treatment and for a while after, as your team tells you.

Questions to ask

How often will I get this medicine, and for how long?
Which side effects mean I should call right away?
Who do I call at night or on weekends?
How will we know if it is working?

Part of these treatment plans

Carboplatin and paclitaxel

Side effect guides

Sources

Quick answers

What is Dostarlimab?: Dostarlimab is an immunotherapy medicine that helps your own immune system fight cancer. Brand names: Jemperli.
What is Dostarlimab used for?: endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus); and some other cancers with certain tumor test results.
How is Dostarlimab given?: Dostarlimab is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion takes about 30 minutes. It is often given every 3 weeks at first, then every 6 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
What are the common side effects of Dostarlimab?: Feeling tired. Rash or itchy skin. Diarrhea. Muscle or joint aches. Not feeling hungry. Upset stomach.
When should I call my care team while taking Dostarlimab?: Diarrhea, belly pain, or bloody or black stools; A new or worse cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath; Yellow skin or eyes, very dark pee, or pain on the right side of the belly; Bad headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, or feeling very cold or very hot; Feeling very thirsty, peeing a lot, or confusion (signs of high blood sugar); Chest pain, a fast or uneven heartbeat, or muscle weakness; A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth.
Which chemotherapy plans include Dostarlimab?: Carboplatin and paclitaxel.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.