Tisotumab vedotin

Say it: ty-SOH-too-mab veh-DOH-tin · Brand names: Tivdak

Tisotumab vedotin is a targeted medicine that delivers a strong cancer drug straight to cancer cells that have a protein called tissue factor.

What it is

It is made of two parts joined together: an antibody that finds a protein called tissue factor on cancer cells, and a strong cancer medicine. The antibody carries the medicine straight to the cancer cell, so more of it reaches the cancer and less reaches healthy cells. Once inside, the medicine stops the cancer cell from dividing.

Often used for

• cervical cancer that has come back or spread after chemotherapy

How you get it

You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic, and each infusion takes about 30 minutes. Most people get it once every 3 weeks. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Dry, red, or irritated eyes. Use the eye drops your team gives you on schedule.
• Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
• Nausea. Eat small, bland meals.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Tell your team if it gets worse.
• Hair loss. A soft hat or scarf can help.
• Nosebleeds or other bleeding. Pinch your nose and lean forward. Tell your team if it happens often.
• Low blood counts. Your team will check your blood.
• Rash. Use gentle soap and unscented lotion.

Call your care team right away if you have

• Any new or worse vision problems, eye pain, or red eyes
• Bleeding that will not stop, coughing or vomiting blood, or blood in your urine or stool
• New or worse cough or trouble breathing
• A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or mouth sores
• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher

Before you start, tell your team

• If you have eye or vision problems or wear contact lenses
• If you have bleeding problems or take blood thinners
• If you already have numbness or tingling
• 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 serious eye problems. You will have eye exams before you start and during treatment.
• Your team will give you eye drops before each infusion and cold packs for your eyes during the infusion, and you will use eye drops at home. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment.
• This medicine can cause bleeding and lung problems. Tell your team about any bleeding or breathing problems.
• This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for months after.

At home

• Use your eye drops exactly as your team tells you, including on the days after each infusion.
• Do not wear contact lenses during treatment.
• Do not drive if your vision is blurry.

Questions to ask

• How and when do I use my eye drops?
• How often will I see the eye doctor?
• What bleeding should I call you about?
• How will we know if the treatment is working?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Low platelets and bleeding
• Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
• Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)

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.