Thiotepa
Thiotepa is an alkylating agent chemotherapy medication used to treat various cancers including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, and lymphoma. It works by interfering with DNA function in cancer cells, preventing their ability to divide and grow. This medication may also be used as part of conditioning regimens before bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
Thiotepa is an alkylating chemotherapy agent used to treat several types of cancer and prepare patients for bone marrow transplants.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01AC01
- RxNorm
- 10473
- Generic
- Thiotepa
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Tepadina, Tepylute
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
thiotepa is contraindicated during pregnancy due to known teratogenic effects. it should not be used in women of childbearing potential unless absolutely necessary
regular fetal monitoring, pregnancy testing before and during treatment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid use
avoid use unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
fetal ultrasound monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
consider alternative therapy if possible; if used, plan for delivery management
fetal monitoring, biophysical profiles
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
n/adiscontinue breastfeeding
thiotepa is excreted in breast milk. breastfeeding must be discontinued during treatment and for appropriate period after last dose
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing required
used in pediatric oncology for certain cancers. doses calculated based on body surface area. close monitoring for toxicity required. consider long-term effects on growth and development
frequent blood counts, organ function monitoring, growth and developmental assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
over 65consider dose reduction
elderly patients may have reduced hepatic and renal function. start at lower end of dosing range. assess organ function before treatment. monitor for increased toxicity
regular monitoring of hepatic function, renal function, and blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildmonitor renal function
use with caution. monitor renal function closely. dose adjustment may be needed based on clinical response and toxicity
regular serum creatinine, creatinine clearance monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severedose reduction recommended
reduce initial dose in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. close monitoring required. consider risks versus benefits
frequent renal function monitoring, drug level monitoring if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildmonitor liver function
use with caution. monitor hepatic function closely. dose adjustment may be required based on toxicity
regular liver function tests including ast, alt, bilirubin
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeavoid or significantly reduce dose
use with extreme caution in moderate to severe hepatic impairment. consider alternative therapy. if used, substantial dose reduction and intensive monitoring required
frequent liver function tests, bilirubin, coagulation studies
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Thiotepa belongs to the alkylating agent class of chemotherapeutic drugs
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval date for Thiotepa
Common indications
Primary therapeutic indications for Thiotepa
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism of action
Thiotepa is used to treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is also used as part of conditioning regimens prior to bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
As an alkylating agent, Thiotepa works by adding alkyl groups to DNA strands, which cross-links DNA and prevents cancer cells from reproducing. This interferes with the cell's ability to divide and grow, ultimately leading to cell death.
Thiotepa is a potent chemotherapy agent that requires careful handling by trained healthcare professionals. Common side effects include bone marrow suppression, increased risk of infection, bleeding, nausea, and hair loss. Patients should be monitored regularly for blood counts and liver function. It may cause infertility and is not recommended during pregnancy. Close adherence to safety guidelines is essential due to its cytotoxic nature.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy