Products
Atezolizumab was approved as an infusion product in the United States in 2016 and in the EU and many countries in 2017 (Tecentriq).
Structure and properties
Atezolizumab is a humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody with a molecular mass of 145 kDa.
Effects
Atezolizumab (ATC L01XC32) has immunostimulatory and antitumor properties. The effects are due to binding to PD-L1, programmed cell death ligand 1. PD-L1 is a ligand of the PD-1 receptor that mediates immunosuppression. Some tumors express the ligand on the cell surface, protecting themselves from the body’s defenses. By binding to PD-L1, atezolizumab stimulates T-cell activation and proliferation, enabling the destruction of cancer cells. The half-life of the antibody is 27 days.
Indications
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
- Metastatic urothelial carcinoma
- Triple-negative breast carcinoma
Dosage
The drug is administered as an intravenous infusion.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include decreased appetite, dyspnea, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, pruritus, joint pain, fatigue, weakness, and fever.
