Durvalumab

Durvalumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds PD-L1, blocking its interaction with PD-1 and CD80. This immune checkpoint inhibitor is used to treat several cancers.

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PD-L1: PD-L1 is an immune checkpoint protein that can bind PD-1 and dampen T-cell activity. Durvalumab binds this protein, preventing it from engaging its immune-regulating partners.
Non-small-cell lung cancer: Non-small-cell lung cancer is a group of lung cancers that includes adenocarcinoma and squamous-cell carcinoma. Durvalumab is used after chemoradiation for unresectable stage III disease and in other lung-cancer settings.
Monoclonal antibody: A monoclonal antibody is a laboratory-produced protein designed to bind a specific molecular target. Durvalumab's selective binding to PD-L1 comes from its antibody structure.
PACIFIC trial: The PACIFIC trial was a phase III study of durvalumab after chemoradiotherapy for unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer. Its results established consolidation durvalumab as a standard option in this setting.
PD-1: PD-1 is an inhibitory receptor on immune cells that limits their activity when engaged by PD-L1 or PD-L2. Blocking PD-L1 can prevent one route by which tumors activate this inhibitory receptor.
Small-cell lung cancer: Small-cell lung cancer is an aggressive neuroendocrine lung cancer strongly associated with tobacco exposure. Durvalumab is combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for extensive-stage disease.
Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity: Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity is immune-cell killing of a target cell bound by an antibody. Durvalumab is engineered to limit this activity, reducing depletion of PD-L1-bearing immune cells.
CASPIAN trial: The CASPIAN trial was a phase III study comparing first-line regimens for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. It showed an overall-survival benefit from adding durvalumab to platinum-etoposide chemotherapy.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor: An immune checkpoint inhibitor is a drug that blocks molecular signals restraining immune responses, often against cancer. Durvalumab belongs to this drug class because it blocks an inhibitory immune signal.
Urothelial carcinoma: Urothelial carcinoma is a cancer arising from the lining of the urinary tract, most often the bladder. Durvalumab has been used in advanced urothelial cancer, including combination treatment in selected settings.