Imfinzi (Durvalumab) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Imfinzi is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). It may be used as a single treatment or in combination with chemotherapy, depending on the stage and type of cancer. Eligibility for Imfinzi includes patients with resectable NSCLC, unresectable stage 3 NSCLC that has not progressed after chemotherapy and radiation, or extensive-stage SCLC. Imfinzi is also used for limited-stage SCLC in some cases. Imfinzi is also known by its drug name, durvalumab.

Imfinzi is an immune checkpoint inhibitor. It blocks a protein called programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) that cancer cells use to avoid detection by the immune system. By inhibiting PD-L1, Imfinzi helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Imfinzi is administered as an intravenous infusion (into a vein) over 60 minutes. It may be given every 2, 3, or 4 weeks depending on the specific condition and treatment plan. The treatment may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. This treatment should be administered exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Imfinzi when used alone include cough, fatigue, pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs), upper respiratory tract infections, shortness of breath, and rash.

When Imfinzi is combined with chemotherapy, additional common side effects may include nausea, anemia (low red blood cell levels), constipation, musculoskeletal pain, and hair loss. Side effects specific to the chemotherapy drugs used, such as carboplatin or cisplatin, may also occur.

Rare but serious side effects may include immune-mediated reactions, such as colitis (inflammation of the colon), hepatitis (liver inflammation), and pneumonitis. These reactions occur when the immune system attacks normal tissues. Infusion-related reactions and complications in people who have undergone certain types of stem cell transplants have also been reported.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Label: Imfinzi- Durvalumab Injection, Solution — DailyMed

Imfinzi — Drugs.com