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Thiotepa is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer. This information describes thiotepa, how it is given and some of its possible side effects. It should ideally be read with our general information about chemotherapy and about your type of cancer.
If you have any further questions you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment, or speak to one of our cancer support service nurses.
Thiotepa is a colourless fluid.
Thiotepa may be given:
Chemotherapy is usually given as a course of several sessions (or cycles) of treatment over a few months. The length of your treatment and the number of cycles you have will depend on the type of cancer for which you are being treated. Your nurse or doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
Each person’s reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information will not affect everyone who is given thiotepa, and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.
We have outlined the most common side effects as well as rarer ones, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor or chemotherapy nurse.
Lowered resistance to infection Thiotepa can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given and your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point any time up to 30 days after the chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then gradually return to normal over 21–28 days.
Contact your doctor or the hospital straightaway if:
You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy, to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.
Bruising or bleeding Thiotepa can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with thiotepa you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if these symptoms are a problem.
Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) If you do feel sick this may begin several hours after the treatment is given and may continue while you are having your treatment. Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, nausea and vomiting. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor; they can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective. Some anti-sickness drugs can cause constipation. Let your doctor or nurse know if this is a problem.
Tiredness and feeling weak You may feel very tired. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Skin changes Your skin may darken due to excess production of pigment. This usually returns to normal a few months after the treatment has finished.
Hair loss This is rare, but your hair may thin or occasionally fall out completely. If this happens it usually begins about 3–4 weeks after starting treatment, although it may occur earlier. Hair loss is temporary, and your hair will regrow once the treatment is finished.
Allergic reaction Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes and itching, a high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, a feeling of dizziness, a headache, breathlessness, anxiety and a need to pass urine. You will be monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction during the treatment. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these signs.
Long-term changes in the way your bone marrow works Long-term thiotepa treatment may permanently damage the bone marrow. This can affect the production of healthy blood cells and may lead to the development of myelodysplasia (a condition affecting the function of the bone marrow) or leukaemia (cancer of the white blood cells). The risks of long-term damage are outweighed by the benefits of the drug. Your doctor can discuss this with you further.
The side effects mentioned above are most likely to occur if thiotepa is given into a vein (intravenously). The other ways of giving thiotepa are less likely to cause side effects.
If thiotepa is given into the bladder, it may irritate the bladder lining. This may mean that you want to pass urine more often (cystitis). Your doctor can prescribe medicine to reduce this feeling. Other side effects are very rare when thiotepa is given in this way.
If thiotepa is given into the fluid around the spinal cord it can temporarily cause dizziness and headaches.
Thiotepa eye drops may be used to treat a non-cancerous condition of the eye. The eye drops may cause some irritation of the skin around the eye. There may also be loss of colour in the skin in this area. Other side effects do not occur.
Injection site While thiotepa is being given intravenously it can cause pain at the place where the injection is given, or along the vein. If you feel pain, tell your doctor or nurse.
Risk of blood clots Cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having chemotherapy may increase this risk further. A blood clot may cause symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in a leg, or breathlessness and chest pain. Blood clots can be very serious so it is important to tell your doctor straightaway if you have any of these symptoms. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Other medicines Some medicines can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.
Fertility Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.
Contraception It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking thiotepa, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.
This section is based on our Thiotepa factsheet which has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
For further references, please see general bibliography.
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