Atezolizumab

Atezolizumab is a type of immunotherapy drug used to treat certain types of cancer. It works by targeting and blocking a protein called PD-L1, which helps cancer cells hide from the body's immune system. By blocking PD-L1, atezolizumab helps the body's own immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Atezolizumab is approved to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic bladder cancer, and certain types of breast cancer. It is given intravenously as an infusion every three weeks.

Atezolizumab, sold under the brand name Tecentriq, is a medication used to treat various types of cancer. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:

Type of Drug:

• Monoclonal antibody: It's an engineered protein designed to target specific cells or molecules.

Mechanism of Action:

• Immunotherapy: It works by stimulating the body's immune system to fight against cancer cells.
• Specifically, atezolizumab targets a protein called programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) found on some cancer cells and immune cells. By blocking PD-L1, atezolizumab helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Conditions Treated:

• Currently approved uses in the US:
  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
  • Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
  • Melanoma (a type of skin cancer)
  • Alveolar soft part sarcoma (a rare type of cancer)
• Important note: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew approval for atezolizumab in treating triple-negative breast cancer in October 2021.