| Common Brands | Bavencio |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Monoclonal Antibody / Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
No Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Avelumab is a type of monoclonal antibody that has been marketed under the brand name Bavencio as an immune checkpoint inhibitor in cancer immunotherapy. It is used to treat different cancers, especially metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and advanced urothelial carcinoma.
It was developed by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer. Avelumab works by targeting and blocking the PD-L1, programmed death-ligand 1 protein, involved in helping cancer cells evade the immune system. By inhibiting PD-L1, avelumab enhances the body’s immune response against the cancer cells, enabling the immune system to more effectively target tumor cells.
Avelumab is administered intravenously (IV), and it is typically given in a hospital or clinical setting under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The standard dose of avelumab is 10 mg/kg administered as an IV infusion once every two weeks.
The infusion period is 60 minutes, although the time may vary with the patient’s ability to tolerate the infusion and the facility’s protocols.
Before getting the drug, patients should be assessed for history or ongoing autoimmune diseases or conditions that can predispose the patient to increased side effects, since this drug triggers immune-related adverse reactions.
The patient should continue with treatment when they start feeling better because withdrawal from the medication before completing the prescription course will undermine the effectiveness of the medication.
Avelumab acts as an immune checkpoint inhibitor. It specifically targets and suppresses PD-L1, which is a ligand expressed on tumor cells and some types of immune cells, that it interacts with the PD-1 receptor of T-cells. The typical interaction of PD-1 and PD-L1 dampens the immune response by inhibiting T-cell activation and thus promoting immune tolerance, allowing the tumors to evade an immune response and attack.
Avelumab works by binding to PD-L1, blocking it from binding to the PD-1 receptor on T-cells, a process known as turning “off the brakes.” In such a way, T-cells become activated and provide more robust anti-tumor immune responses. This is crucial in cancers like Merkel cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma, in which tumor cells evaded immune detection mainly through the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.
As is true with most immunotherapy drugs, avelumab can cause many different side effects. The common ones include:
Immune-mediated Side Effects: Avelumab can cause serious immune-related side effects, including inflammation in organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system. It is essential to monitor for symptoms of organ inflammation and address them immediately.
Pneumonitis: Patients should be monitored for signs of pneumonitis, which can cause symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
Endocrinologic: Thyroid function should be monitored periodically because of the incidence of thyroiditis, which could lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Colitis: Both severe diarrhea and colitis can occur; therefore, patients should report abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, or blood in stool.
Liver dysfunction: Monitor liver function carefully during treatment with avelumab, and assess the patient for signs of hepatitis or liver failure.
Anturol may interact with other drugs, leading to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness. Always inform your doctor of any medications you are taking.
Avelumab dosing should be through intravenous administration at a dose of approximately 10 mg/kg twice every week. The infusion duration should be at about 60 minutes.
Infusions might be extended based on a person’s response or clinical status. In case of any adverse effect or reaction within the infusion, the healthcare provider can modify the infusion time or administer medications to treat them.
The duration of avelumab treatment is determined by the response to therapy and by side effects. In patients who develop severe immune-related adverse effects, treatment is stopped, and immunosuppressive drugs are used to manage the adverse reactions.
Avelumab is a prescription drug. It should be prescribed by a healthcare provider, which is usually an oncologist, after a proper assessment of the type of cancer, the patient’s health conditions, and previous treatments done on the patient. Before starting the treatment, the patient will undergo evaluation for any already existing conditions especially autoimmune diseases, due to higher risk of severe immune-related adverse effects.
Patients should not use avelumab if they have any pregnancies or are breast-feeding, and should inform their healthcare provider of any other drugs for which they are currently prescribed, especially other immunosuppressants or cancer drugs.
What is Avelumab?
Avelumab is a monoclonal antibody used in cancer immunotherapy, specifically targeting the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1).
How does Avelumab work?
Avelumab binds to PD-L1, blocking its interaction with PD-1 and B7-1 receptors, thereby enhancing the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.
What types of cancer is Avelumab approved to treat?
Avelumab is primarily approved for the treatment of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma, as well as other indications under investigation.
How is Avelumab administered?
Avelumab is given as an intravenous infusion over a specific period, typically every two weeks.
What is the typical dosage of Avelumab?
The recommended dosage for Avelumab can vary based on the condition being treated and individual patient factors, but it is often set at 10 mg/kg every two weeks.
Can Avelumab be administered at home?
Avelumab must be administered in a healthcare setting due to its infusion requirements and monitoring for potential adverse reactions.
What are the common side effects of Avelumab?
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, skin rash, and infusion-related reactions.
Are there serious side effects associated with Avelumab?
Yes, serious immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur, including pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, and endocrinopathies.
How can side effects of Avelumab be managed?
Side effects are managed through supportive care, dose adjustments, or discontinuation of treatment, alongside corticosteroids for severe reactions.
How effective is Avelumab in treating cancer?
Clinical studies have shown Avelumab to be effective in improving survival rates in patients with certain cancers, but responses can vary between individuals.
What ongoing research is being conducted on Avelumab?
Research focuses on its effectiveness in other cancer types, combination therapies, and long-term effects.
Who should not take Avelumab?
Avelumab is not recommended for individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to the drug or any of its components.
Do pregnant or breastfeeding individuals use Avelumab?
Avelumab should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to potential risks to the fetus or nursing infant.
Can Avelumab be used in combination with other therapies?
Yes, Avelumab is often studied in combination with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and other immunotherapies.
Is Avelumab covered by health insurance?
Coverage for Avelumab depends on the specific health insurance plan and local regulations; patients should check with their provider.
How can patients access Avelumab if it’s not available?
Patients should discuss options with their healthcare provider, including clinical trials or patient assistance programs.
What kind of monitoring is required during Avelumab treatment?
Regular monitoring includes check-ups for side effects, response to treatment, and lab tests to assess liver function and other important markers.
How long does a typical treatment course with Avelumab last?
The duration of Avelumab treatment can vary widely depending on individual patient responses and cancer type; it may last for several months to years.
What should patients discuss with their doctor before starting Avelumab?
Patients should discuss their complete medical history, current medications, and any concerns or allergies before starting treatment.
Where can I find more information about Avelumab?
For more information, patients should consult their healthcare provider, cancer support organizations, or official drug information resources like the FDA or drug manufacturer websites.
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