Tislelizumab
Say it: tis-leh-LIZ-oo-mab · Brand names: Tevimbra
Tislelizumab is an immunotherapy medicine that helps your own immune system find and fight cancer cells.
What it is
Some cancer cells hide from the immune system by using a protein called PD-1 as an off switch. Tislelizumab blocks PD-1, so your immune cells can see and attack the cancer again.
Often used for
- cancer of the esophagus (the food pipe)
- cancer of the stomach
- cancer where the esophagus meets the stomach
How you get it
You get tislelizumab as an infusion into a vein at a clinic. The first infusion takes about 1 hour, and later ones take about 30 minutes. Most people get it once every 3 weeks, often with chemotherapy. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Lower appetite. Try small meals and snacks through the day.
- Rash or itchy skin. Use gentle soap and unscented lotion.
- Low red blood cells (anemia), which can make you feel weak. Your team will check your blood.
- Nausea. Eat bland foods and tell your team if it does not get better.
- Changes in liver blood tests. Your team will watch these closely.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- New cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing
- Diarrhea, very loose stools, or belly pain that is bad or does not stop
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly
- Severe headache, feeling very weak, dizzy, or confused
- Peeing much more or much less than usual, or very strong thirst
- A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or sores in your mouth
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have an autoimmune disease, such as Crohn's disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
- If you have had an organ transplant or a stem cell transplant
- If you have ever had lung problems or radiation to your chest
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- This medicine can cause your immune system to attack healthy organs, such as the lungs, gut, liver, glands, kidneys, or skin. This can happen during treatment or even months after it ends.
- You will have blood tests to check your liver, kidneys, blood sugar, and thyroid.
- Side effects are often treated with steroid medicines. Telling your team early helps.
- This medicine may harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for some time after.
Questions to ask
- How often will I get this medicine, and for how long?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, even at night?
- Who do I call after hours?
- Will I get chemotherapy at the same visit?
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite loss and weight loss
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
- Immunotherapy side effects
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Tislelizumab?
- Tislelizumab is an immunotherapy medicine that helps your own immune system find and fight cancer cells. Brand names: Tevimbra.
- What is Tislelizumab used for?
- cancer of the esophagus (the food pipe); cancer of the stomach; cancer where the esophagus meets the stomach.
- How is Tislelizumab given?
- You get tislelizumab as an infusion into a vein at a clinic. The first infusion takes about 1 hour, and later ones take about 30 minutes. Most people get it once every 3 weeks, often with chemotherapy. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Tislelizumab?
- Feeling tired. Lower appetite. Rash or itchy skin. Low red blood cells (anemia), which can make you feel weak. Nausea. Changes in liver blood tests.
- When should I call my care team while taking Tislelizumab?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; New cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing; Diarrhea, very loose stools, or belly pain that is bad or does not stop; Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly; Severe headache, feeling very weak, dizzy, or confused; Peeing much more or much less than usual, or very strong thirst; A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or sores in your mouth.
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.