Tislelizumab

VOL: 4 ISSUE: 7 DATE: 16 July 2026
Author: Dr. Sharmila, Clinical Pharmacist, Kauvery Hospital, KMA

Drug class

Immune checkpoint inhibitor [PD-1 and PD-L1inhibitor]

Indication

  • Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC)
  • Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction (GEJ Cancer

Dosage forms and strengths

Injection: 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL) clear to slightly opalescent, colourless to slightly yellow solution in a single-dose vial.

IV Compatability

Compatible: 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

Dosage regimen

150 mg IV every 2 weeks or 200 mg IV every 3 weeks or 300 mg IV every 4 weeks or 400 mg IV every 6 weeks|

Mechanism of action

Tislelizumab is a humanised immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) variant monoclonal antibody against PD-1, binding to the extracellular domain of human PD1. It competitively blocks the binding of both PD-L1 and PD-L2, inhibiting PD-1-mediated negative signalling and enhancing the functional activity in T-cells in in vitro cell-based assays.

Adverse reactions

  • Severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions (Pneumonitis, Colitis, Hepatitis, Endocrinopathies, Hypophysitis, Thyroid disorders, Nephritis, Vasculitis – 1 to 5%)

Prevention: Monitor for early identification and management. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment.

Treatment: Withhold or permanently discontinue based on the severity of reaction

  • Infusion-related reactions: Slow the rate of infusion, interrupt, or permanently discontinue based on severity of infusion reaction

Lactation

Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.

Pregnancy

Based on its mechanism of action, it can cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy.

Dosage modification

No dose reduction is recommended. In general, withhold for severe immune-mediated adverse reactions. Permanently discontinue for life-threatening immune mediated adverse reactions

Contraindications

Acetaminophen, Antibiotic, Corticosteroid [systemic], Vitamin-k antagonist, Opioid ag

Kauvery Hospital