The Immunotherapy Drug Atezolizumab Receives FDA Approval for Bladder Cancer Treatment

Following the success observed with immunotherapy drugs in various cancer types, we shared the results of studies in bladder cancer in an article written in October 2015. European Cancer Congress ECC In the study presented in 2015, the immunotherapy drug Tecentriq, whose active ingredient is Atezolizumab, a monoclonal antibody developed against PD-L1, was used and highly successful results were achieved.

In the latest study, 360 individuals with urothelial carcinoma (the most common type of bladder cancer) received Atezolizumab treatment and tumor size responses were monitored during this period. Simultaneously, responses to the drug were compared between PD-L1-positive and PD-L1-negative tumors. Ultimately, tumor shrinkage was observed in 14,8 percent of individuals, with PD-L1-positive individuals accounting for a large share of this rate.

PD-L1 is a cell membrane protein, a molecule produced in various immune cells and some cancer cells that suppresses the immune system. Tumors we describe as PD-L1-positive are those producing this protein at high levels.

The high success of the immunotherapy drug containing Atezolizumab in PD-L1-positive individuals creates a need to identify PD-L1-positive individuals and use the drug particularly in them. Accordingly, through the biomarker approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA), called Ventana , PD-L1-positive individuals are identified and response to immunotherapy is increased. Like other immunotherapy drugs, Tecentriq may cause immune-mediated side effects due to suppression of the immune system, as well as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and urinary tract infection.

In conclusion, we are also observing in bladder cancer the success immunotherapy drugs have shown in treating lung cancer, malignant melanoma, kidney cancer and lymphoma. Use of this drug is currently approved only by the FDA. We will share this information with you if it receives approval for use in our country in the coming period.

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- Immunotherapy and the Cancer Vaccine