What type of cancer is Tecentriq used to treat?
Tecentriq (atezolizumab) is used to treat:
- non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
- heptatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- melanoma
- alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), a rare soft tissue tumor
Tecentriq was the first programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody approved by the FDA.
Tecentriq belongs to a class of immunotherapy drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors and works by boosting the body’s immune system to help it attack cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may also allow the immune system to attack normal organs in the body which may lead to serious side effects, but overall these drugs are better tolerated than many of the older standard cancer treatments.
Common side effects with Tecentriq may include fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. Other more serious side effects may include hepatitis, inflammation in the lungs, intestines, or other organs.
Tecentriq Indications
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
- Tecentriq is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage II to IIIA NSCLC whose tumors have PD-L1 expression on ≥ 1% of tumor cells, as determined by an FDA-approved test.
- Tecentriq is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression (PD-L1 stained ≥ 50% of tumor cells [TC ≥ 50%] or PD-L1 stained tumor-infiltrating immune cells [IC] covering ≥ 10% of the tumor area [IC ≥ 10%] ), as determined by an FDA approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
- Tecentriq is indicated in combination with bevacizumab, paclitaxel, and carboplatin, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-squamous NSCLC with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
- Tecentriq is indicated in combination with paclitaxel protein-bound and carboplatin for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-squamous NSCLC with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
- Tecentriq is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic NSCLC who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for NSCLC harboring these aberrations prior to receiving Tecentriq.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
- Tecentriq is indicated in combination with carboplatin and etoposide, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).
Heptatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
- Tecentriq is indicated in combination with bevacizumab for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic HCC who have not received prior systemic therapy.
Melanoma
- Tecentriq is indicated in combination with cobimetinib and vemurafenib for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (ASPS)
- Tecentriq is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with unresectable or metastatic ASPS.
This is not all the information you need to know about atezolizumab (Tecentriq) for safe and effective use and does not replace your healthcare provider's instructions. Review the full Tecentriq information and discuss this information and any questions with your doctor or other health care provider.
Related questions
- Are there cost-saving programs for Tecentriq?
- How effective is atezolizumab (Tecentriq)?
- Is atezolizumab (Tecentriq) a chemotherapy or immunotherapy drug?
References
- Tecentriq (atezolizumab) [product information]. Genentech Inc. South San Francisco, CA. Accessed Dec. 22, 2022 at https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/tecentriq_prescribing.pdf
Read next
Does atezolizumab (Tecentriq) cause hair loss?
Hair loss (alopecia) is listed as a common side effect with atezolizumab (Tecentriq) when used with certain other cancer treatments. Hair loss was not reported as a side effect when used as a single agent for urothelial (bladder) cancer treatment (but Tecentriq is no longer FDA-approved to be used in bladder cancer). Continue reading
How is atezolizumab (Tecentriq) administered?
Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) is given by a slow intravenous (IV) infusion into your vein, usually once every 2, 3 or 4 weeks. Your initial infusion typically lasts for 60 minutes, and infusions after this may be reduced to 30 minutes, based on your tolerability. Atezolizumab and hyaluronidase-tqjs (Tecentriq Hybreza) is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection that takes about 7 minutes and is normally given once every 3 weeks. These products are administered by your healthcare provider. Continue reading
What is the strongest chemotherapy drug for breast cancer?
Doxorubicin is considered one of the strongest chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer ever invented. It can kill cancer cells at every point in their life cycle, and it's used to treat a wide variety of cancers, not just breast cancer. Doxorubicin is also known as “The Red Devil” because it is a clear bright red color. It can cause your urine or other body fluids to turn a reddish color for 1 to 2 days after a dose is given, which is normal and temporary. Continue reading
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