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Durvalumab

Durvalumab, also known by its brand name Imfinzi, is an immunotherapy drug being studied in various clinical trials for the treatment of different types of cancer. These trials aim to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and potential benefits of durvalumab alone or in combination with other treatments. The research spans multiple cancer types, including lung cancer, bladder cancer, and other advanced solid tumors, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and exploring new treatment approaches.

Table of Contents

What is Durvalumab?

Durvalumab (also known as MEDI4736) is an immunotherapy drug used to treat certain types of cancer[1]. It is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody, which means it is a man-made version of an immune system protein[2]. Durvalumab works by helping your immune system detect and fight cancer cells.

How Does it Work?

Durvalumab targets a protein called PD-L1 on cancer cells. PD-L1 helps cancer cells hide from the immune system. By blocking PD-L1, Durvalumab allows the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells[3]. This helps boost the body’s natural defenses against cancer.

What Cancers Does it Treat?

Durvalumab is being studied to treat several types of cancer, including:

  • Breast cancer – Specifically advanced HER2-negative breast cancer[2]
  • Multiple myeloma – A type of blood cancer[3]
  • Colorectal cancer – Cancer of the colon or rectum[1]
  • Pancreatic cancer[1]
  • Small cell carcinoma – A fast-growing type of cancer that can occur in various parts of the body[4]
  • Non-small cell lung cancer[5]

How is it Given?

Durvalumab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it is delivered directly into your bloodstream through a vein. The typical dose is 1500 mg given every 3 or 4 weeks[4][5]. Treatment usually continues for up to 12 months or until the cancer worsens or side effects become too severe.

Durvalumab is often combined with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. For example, some studies are looking at giving Durvalumab along with chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin, paclitaxel, and etoposide[4][5].

Clinical Trials

Durvalumab is being studied in many clinical trials to determine how well it works for different types of cancer. Some key trials include:

  • A study combining Durvalumab with bevacizumab to treat advanced breast cancer[2]
  • A trial using Durvalumab with daratumumab for multiple myeloma[3]
  • Research on Durvalumab plus chemotherapy for small cell carcinoma[4]
  • A study of Durvalumab with chemotherapy and radiation for non-small cell lung cancer[5]

These trials are helping researchers understand how to best use Durvalumab to treat different cancers.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Durvalumab can cause side effects. Common side effects may include[3]:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Rash
  • Diarrhea

More serious side effects are possible, including immune system reactions that can affect various organs in the body. Your doctor will monitor you closely for any side effects during treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to take Durvalumab?

Treatment with Durvalumab typically continues for up to 12 months, or until your cancer worsens or side effects become too severe. Your doctor will determine the best length of treatment for your specific situation.

Can Durvalumab cure my cancer?

While Durvalumab can be effective at treating some cancers, it is not considered a cure. It may help slow or stop cancer growth, shrink tumors, or extend survival time. The effectiveness varies depending on the type and stage of cancer.

How will I know if Durvalumab is working?

Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular check-ups, blood tests, and imaging scans. These will help determine if the cancer is responding to treatment. It may take several weeks or months to see the full effects of the drug.

Glossary

  • Monoclonal antibody – A type of protein made in the laboratory that can bind to substances in the body, including cancer cells. They can be used to detect or treat cancer.
  • PD-L1 – A protein found on some cancer cells that helps them evade detection by the immune system.
  • Immunotherapy – A type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer.
  • Intravenous (IV) infusion – A way of delivering medication directly into a vein using a needle or catheter.
  • Clinical trial – A research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people.
Drug NameTypeHow It WorksAdministrationCommon Side Effects
Durvalumab (MEDI4736)Monoclonal antibody immunotherapyBlocks PD-L1 protein on cancer cellsIV infusion every 3-4 weeksFatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, rash, diarrhea

Trial sources

  • [1]: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02777710
  • [2]: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02802098
  • [3]: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03000452
  • [4]: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06464068
  • [5]: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04230408
Aspect Details
Cancer Types Studied Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), Bladder cancer, Head and neck cancer, Advanced solid tumors
Treatment Approaches Durvalumab monotherapy, Combination with other immunotherapies (e.g., tremelimumab), Combination with chemotherapy and radiation
Key Outcome Measures Safety and tolerability, Objective response rate (ORR), Progression-free survival (PFS), Overall survival (OS), Duration of response (DoR)
Administration Intravenous infusion, typically 1500 mg every 4 weeks
Treatment Duration Up to 12 months in many trials, or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Patient Populations Various stages of cancer, including locally advanced and metastatic disease; some trials focus on specific subgroups (e.g., elderly or poor-risk patients)
Biomarkers PD-L1 expression levels often evaluated for treatment response prediction

FAQ

  • What is durvalumab and how does it work? Durvalumab is an immunotherapy drug that targets the PD-L1 protein on cancer cells. It works by blocking the interaction between PD-L1 and PD-1, which helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
  • What types of cancer are being studied with durvalumab? Clinical trials are investigating durvalumab for various cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, and other advanced solid tumors.
  • How is durvalumab administered in clinical trials? Durvalumab is typically administered intravenously (IV) at specific doses and intervals, such as 1500 mg every 4 weeks. The exact dosing and schedule may vary depending on the trial and treatment plan.
  • What are some potential side effects of durvalumab? Common side effects may include fatigue, cough, nausea, and skin reactions. More serious side effects can include immune-related adverse events affecting various organs. Patients in trials are closely monitored for any adverse reactions.
  • How long do patients typically receive durvalumab in clinical trials? The duration of treatment varies by trial, but many studies administer durvalumab for up to 12 months or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. Some trials may have longer treatment periods or different protocols.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Durvalumab

  • Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Durvalumab with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin for Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium Czechia France Germany Italy The Netherlands +2

  • Study of Datopotamab Deruxtecan and Durvalumab for Adults with Untreated Triple-Negative or Hormone Receptor-Low/HER2-Negative Breast Cancer

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Belgium Bulgaria France Germany Hungary +3

  • Study Comparing Cisplatin and Radiotherapy with Durvalumab and Radiotherapy for Patients with Intermediate Risk HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium Italy Spain

  • Study on Durvalumab with Trimodality Therapy for Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Spain

  • Study of Durvalumab with Chemoradiation Therapy for Patients with Locally Advanced, Unresectable Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium France Poland Spain

  • Durvalumab Maintenance Therapy for Frail Patients with Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer After Chemoradiotherapy

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France

  • Study on Radiotherapy and Durvalumab for Patients with Resectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany

  • Study of Durvalumab, Tremelimumab, and Lenvatinib with TACE for Patients with Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium France Germany Italy Portugal Spain

  • Study of Durvalumab in Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium

  • Study of Durvalumab with Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for Patients with Unresectable Esophageal Cancer

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France

Glossary

  • PD-L1: Programmed Death-Ligand 1, a protein found on some cancer cells that helps them evade the immune system.
  • PD-1: Programmed Death-1, a protein on immune cells that interacts with PD-L1.
  • Immunotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that helps the body's immune system fight cancer.
  • NSCLC: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, a common type of lung cancer.
  • SCLC: Small Cell Lung Cancer, a less common but aggressive type of lung cancer.
  • Neoadjuvant therapy: Treatment given before the main treatment, often to shrink a tumor before surgery.
  • Adjuvant therapy: Treatment given after the main treatment to lower the risk of cancer coming back.
  • RECIST: Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, a set of rules used to measure how well a cancer patient responds to treatment.
  • Progression-free survival (PFS): The length of time during and after treatment that a patient lives without the cancer getting worse.
  • Overall survival (OS): The length of time from the start of treatment or diagnosis that patients are still alive.
  • Objective response rate (ORR): The proportion of patients whose cancer shrinks or disappears after treatment.
  • Adverse event: Any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease associated with the use of a medical treatment.
  • Pharmacokinetics: The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.
  • Anti-drug antibodies (ADA): Antibodies produced by the immune system against a therapeutic drug, which can affect its efficacy and safety.