Imfinzi

Imfinzi is the brand name for durvalumab, a human monoclonal antibody that targets programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). It is an immune checkpoint inhibitor used in cancer therapy to enhance the immune system’s ability to attack tumor cells.

Durvalumab works by binding to PD-L1 on tumor cells and immune cells, blocking its interaction with PD-1 and CD80. This can restore T-cell activity and promote anti-tumor responses. It is administered by intravenous infusion and dosing varies by indication and regimen.

In the United States, Imfinzi has been approved for several indications. It is used for locally advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as consolidation therapy after definitive chemoradiation to reduce the risk of disease progression or death. It is also approved for adults with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Additional indications have been approved in other regions and may include combination therapies for certain cancers; approvals are subject to change with new clinical data.

Common adverse effects observed with durvalumab include fatigue, cough, nausea, decreased appetite, rash, and infusion reactions. Serious immune-related adverse events can occur, affecting the lungs (pneumonitis), liver (hepatitis), colon (colitis), endocrine organs (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency), and other systems. Treatment may be withheld or discontinued for intolerable toxicity. Caution is advised in patients with active autoimmune diseases or those receiving concurrent immunosuppressive therapy.

Durvalumab is a targeted therapy that represents one option in the broader field of immuno-oncology, often selected based on tumor type, PD-L1 status, prior therapies, and patient factors.