How does durvalumab work?
Durvalumab (Imfinzi®) is to enhance your immune system’s ability to target and specifically kill cancer cells in a lung cancer patient. Sometimes, cancer cells can escape discovery from specific cancer-fighting cells known as T-cells. One way cancer cells do this is by expressing a protein called Programmed cell Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1), which blocks activation of T-cells. By attaching to and blocking PD-L1, it helps your body’s T-cells stay activated so they can recognize the lung cancer and kill it.
Goals of durvalumab therapy
It is for patients after receiving chemotherapy and radiation with the goal of increasing long term response to therapy and the ultimate goal of cure.
How is this therapy for non-small cell lung cancer ?
- Durvalumab intravenous (I.V.) infusion over 60 minutes on Day 1
Estimated total infusion time for this treatment
- Up to two hours for Day 1 of each cycle
- Infusion times are based on clinical studies, but may vary depending on doctor preference or patient tolerability. Pre-medications and I.V. fluids, such as hydration, may add more time
Durvalumab treatment is usually in an outpatient infusion center, allowing the person to go home afterwards.
Durvalumab repeats every 14 days. This is known as one Cycle. Each cycle may be repeat up to a maximum of 26 times (12 months of therapy). Until the treatment no longer works, or unacceptable side effects occur.
Duration of therapy depends upon response, tolerability, and number of cycles prescribed.
