Atezolizumab (PD-L1) is an investigational monoclonal antibody. Its function is to stimulate or restore the immune system, to fight cancer, infections and other diseases. It is also used to reduce certain side effects that can be caused by some cancer treatments.
This class of monoclonal antibody being developed by the pharmaceutical company Roche, and is giving good results to downsize the tumors of bladder in state advanced.
According to studies carried out in which seven Spanish research centers have participated, the monoclonal antibody Atezolizumab has been shown to be effective for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
This new drug, which is the only one currently authorized by the US drug agency, is capable of reducing the size of tumors by 24% when administered first-line. According to specialists, this represents a very favorable opportunity for cancer patients, since the therapeutic options for them are currently very limited.
The data have been very positive, since they provide a satisfactory response by demonstrating that if the immune system is induced to fight this tumor, it is an effective possibility in the management of the disease that in its advanced phase is in great need of active therapies.
The response offered by Atezolizumab is maintained for many months, much longer than chemotherapy and in a less toxic way.
All the studies with Atezolizumab include the evaluation of an investigational test that uses the SP142 antibody to measure PD-L1 expression, both in tumor cells and in infiltrating cells of the immune system.
The purpose of PD-L1 as a biomarker is to identify the patients who can benefit the most from a monotherapy treatment with Atezolizumab, as well as those in whom a combination with other drugs would be better. At present, 11 phase III studies are planned with this therapy, some have already been launched, in different cases of cancer (lung, bladder, kidney, breast).
