Tecentriq

Tecentriq is the brand name for atezolizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets PD-L1, a protein expressed on some tumor and immune cells. By binding PD-L1, atezolizumab blocks the interaction with PD-1 and CD80, relieving the inhibition of T cells and enabling an anti-tumor immune response. It is developed by Genentech, a subsidiary of Roche.

Tecentriq has been approved for multiple cancer indications in different regions, typically as a monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy or other agents, depending on the cancer type and line of therapy. The drug has been used in urothelial carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma in various regimens, among others. Dosing is given by intravenous infusion, with schedules that vary by indication and combination partner.

Adverse effects commonly seen with Tecentriq include fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, and rash. Because it is an immune checkpoint inhibitor, it can cause immune-related adverse events such as inflammation of the lungs, liver, intestines, or endocrine glands. Most immune-related events are manageable with monitoring and treatment interruption or steroids, but some can be serious or life-threatening.

Biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression may be used to guide treatment in some indications, though clinical benefit has been observed across different PD-L1 statuses in certain contexts. Ongoing research continues to evaluate new combinations, indications, and sequencing in various tumor types.