US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Torisel (temsirolimus, manufactured by Wyeth) for treating advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) after a clinical study with the compound showed improved patient survival. Torisel targets the mammalian form of the “TOR” (”target of rapamycin”) protein that was involved in cell growth and survival. The trial involved 626 patients divided into 3 treatment groups: Torisel alone, Interferon alfa, and Torisel plus interferon. Patients receiving Torisel alone experienced improved overall survival (median O.S. = 10.9 months) versus those who were receiving interferon alfa alone (median O.S. = 7.3 months). Progression free survival (P.F.S.) also improved. On the other hand, the combination treatment did not result in an additive survival. Torisel’s common side effects included rash, fatigue, mouth sores, nausea, edema, and loss of appetite. Source: FDA website. Also check out (the late) Steven Dunn’s comprehensive kidney cancer guide for patients.