Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) Immunotherapy Treatment for Mesothelioma
Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) is an innovative immunotherapy drug functioning as a checkpoint inhibitor, enhancing the immune system’s ability to identify and combat cancer cells. While Tecentriq has been authorized for the treatment of various cancers, including specific types of lung cancer and melanoma, its effectiveness in treating malignant mesothelioma is currently being evaluated in clinical trials.
Tecentriq (atezolizumab) represents a breakthrough in cancer therapy, specifically within the realm of immunotherapy. Often employed in conjunction with other mesothelioma treatments, such as Avastin® (bevacizumab), carboplatin, cisplatin, or Alimta® (pemetrexed), Tecentriq is a critical component of comprehensive mesothelioma treatment strategies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval for Tecentriq in the treatment of certain cancers, and ongoing clinical trials are exploring its potential in effectively treating mesothelioma.
Key Information on Tecentriq (Atezolizumab)
- Generic Name: Atezolizumab
- Brand Name: Tecentriq
- Method of Administration: Administered intravenously
- Common Combinations: Often combined with chemotherapy in multimodal therapy
- Applicability: Research includes various mesothelioma types such as biphasic, epithelioid, peritoneal, and pleural mesothelioma
- Manufacturer: Genentech Inc.
- FDA Approval: Currently approved for several types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and urothelial carcinoma. Often recommended in conjunction with other treatments.
Tecentriq’s Application in Mesothelioma Treatment
Tecentriq, as an immune checkpoint inhibitor, is instrumental in disrupting the immune checkpoints that cancer cells manipulate to avoid immune attack. By blocking these checkpoints, Tecentriq allows immune cells to identify and eradicate malignant tumor cells. This includes targeting rarer tumor types, such as mesothelioma.
Utilized as part of multimodal treatment regimens, Tecentriq has been paired with chemotherapy drugs and used post-cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Although not specifically approved for mesothelioma treatment, Tecentriq has gained approval for treating certain cancers potentially related to asbestos exposure, including NSCLC and SCLC.
The Tecentriq Treatment Experience
Administered via intravenous infusion, Tecentriq may serve as a primary or secondary treatment for specific cancers. Mesothelioma-specific dosage guidelines are still under development, but lung cancer treatment protocols are established. The initial treatment involves a 60-minute infusion, with subsequent doses potentially reduced to 30 minutes. The recommended dosage varies:
- 840 mg every 2 weeks
- 1200 mg every 3 weeks
- 1680 mg every 4 weeks
Lung cancer patients may undergo Tecentriq therapy for up to a year, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy and bevacizumab. Mesothelioma studies have incorporated Tecentriq into multimodal therapy plans, including surgical procedures like extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). Side effects and treatment responses should be closely monitored by healthcare professionals.
Tecentriq’s Advantages
Ongoing research is shedding light on the benefits of Tecentriq in mesothelioma treatment, particularly concerning survival rates. In a study, pleural mesothelioma patients treated with Tecentriq showed a median survival exceeding 20 months. Another study combining Tecentriq with Avastin for peritoneal mesothelioma reported an 85% survival rate after one year.
Tecentriq Side Effects
Tecentriq, like many cancer treatments, has its array of potential side effects. These can range from constipation, cough, and decreased appetite to more severe reactions like anemia and elevated blood pressure in peritoneal mesothelioma patients. It’s essential for patients to report any discomfort or adverse effects to their doctors for effective management.
Eligibility for Tecentriq
Currently, Tecentriq is FDA-approved for treating specific cancers, but its use in mesothelioma treatment is being evaluated in clinical trials. Mesothelioma patients interested in this treatment option should consult their healthcare providers to understand their eligibility for participating in these trials.