Imfinzi® (Durvalumab) for Mesothelioma Treatment

Imfinzi® (Durvalumab) Immunotherapy Treatment for Mesothelioma

Imfinzi® (durvalumab) is an innovative immunotherapy drug, classified as a checkpoint inhibitor, and plays a significant role in empowering the immune system to identify and combat cancer cells. It is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for its effectiveness in treating mesothelioma.

The Role of Imfinzi in Cancer Therapy

As a checkpoint inhibitor, Imfinzi works by deactivating immune checkpoints within the immune system. These checkpoints usually prevent immune cells (T cells) from attacking normal body cells. By inhibiting these checkpoints, Imfinzi allows T cells to target and destroy cancer cells, thereby aiding in the fight against cancer.

Imfinzi has been approved by the FDA for treating certain types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), often used in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Although not yet FDA-approved for mesothelioma, Imfinzi is accessible to certain patients through ongoing clinical trials.

Clinical Trials Involving Imfinzi

Imfinzi is being tested in clinical trials to determine its efficacy in treating various types of mesothelioma, including biphasic, epithelioid, peritoneal, pleural, and sarcomatoid mesothelioma. These trials are pivotal in understanding Imfinzi’s potential benefits in managing these cancer forms. According to the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the PACIFIC study was conducted with the findings of 48.2% of the patients passing away, with death rates at 44.1% in the durvalumab group and 56.5% in the placebo group. The latest survival data from the PACIFIC study from 2019, which includes 3-year survival rates, shows the enduring clinical advantages of using durvalumab following chemoradiotherapy. This further solidifies the PACIFIC regimen as the standard treatment approach for this patient group.

Mechanism of Action of Imfinzi

Imfinzi’s mechanism involves blocking the immune checkpoints, preventing cancer cells from hiding from immune cells. This approach differs from other immunotherapy drugs like Opdivo and Keytruda, which target immune cells’ involvement in these checkpoints, whereas Imfinzi blocks the cancer cells’ ability to engage in the checkpoint interaction.

In clinical trials, Imfinzi has been evaluated in combination with the immunotherapy drug Imjudo (tremelimumab), as well as with chemotherapy drugs, to assess its effectiveness in mesothelioma treatment.

Effectiveness of Imfinzi in Mesothelioma Trials

In clinical trials, a combination of Imfinzi and tremelimumab has shown promise in treating pleural mesothelioma, with patients achieving a median survival of 16.6 months. This finding suggests that Imfinzi, combined with other treatments, may offer a viable treatment option for some mesothelioma patients. It is important for patients to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this treatment with their healthcare providers.

Imfinzi in the Treatment of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer

Imfinzi is approved for treating specific lung cancers, including extensive-stage small cell lung cancer as a first-line treatment in combination with chemotherapy, and inoperable stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer that has not progressed post-chemotherapy and radiation.

Administration of Imfinzi

The specific treatment process involving Imfinzi for mesothelioma patients is based on clinical trial protocols. This often involves an induction phase with both Imfinzi and tremelimumab, followed by a maintenance phase with Imfinzi alone. Treatment schedules are determined based on various factors including the patient’s response and tolerance to the therapy.

Side Effects and Management

The primary side effect associated with Imfinzi therapy is skin irritation, with other potential side effects likely linked to the chemotherapy component. Patients undergoing treatment should communicate any side effects to their healthcare team for appropriate management.

Determining Eligibility for Imfinzi Treatment

Eligibility for Imfinzi treatment in mesothelioma patients is largely dependent on their participation in clinical trials. Individual patient profiles and specific cancer diagnosis play a crucial role in determining suitable treatment options.