Class: Biological Therapy

Generic Name: atezolizumab

Trade Name: Tecentriq®

How is this drug used? Tecentriq is approved for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease progressed during or following therapy with a platinum agent. Patients with EGFR or ALK gene abnormalities may receive Tecentriq if FDA-approved therapies for these conditions are no longer working. Tecentriq is also approved for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer) whose disease has progressed during or following therapy with a platinum agent.

What is the mechanism of action? Tecentriq is an agent that creates its anti-cancer effects by blocking a specific protein, PD-L1, that is used by cancer cells to escape an attack by the immune system. Once PD-L1 is blocked, cells of the immune system are able to identify cancer cells as a threat, and initiate an attack to destroy the cancer.

How is Tecentriq given (administered)? Tecentriq is administered by intravenous infusion over 60 minutes every 3 weeks. If Tecentriq is well tolerated, infusion time may be adjusted to 30 minutes.

How are patients monitored? Patients will meet with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with Tecentriq. Typically, radiographic imaging may be ordered for signs of immune-related pneumonitis, and blood will be drawn to monitor functions of some organ systems, such as liver, thyroid, and adrenals. Patients may also undergo physical additional examinations, scans, or other measures to assess side effects and response to therapy.

What are the most common side effects of treatment with Tecentriq?

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Urinary tract infection
• Constipation
• Fever

What are some of the less common but potentially serious side effects of Tecentriq?

• Immune-related pneumonitis, hepatitis, and colitis
• Immune-related endocrinopathies such as thyroid disorders, hypophysitis, adrenal insufficiency, and new onset diabetes
• Menegitis/encephalitis
• Motor and sensory neuropathy such as Gullian Barré syndrome or myasthenia gravis
• Pancreatitis
• Severe infections
• Infusion related reactions

This is not a complete list of side effects. Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed here. Patients may wish to discuss with their physician the other less common side effects of this drug, some of which may be serious.

Some side effects may require medical attention. Other side effects do not require medical attention and may go away during treatment. Patients should check with their physician about any side effects that continue or are bothersome.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, particularly the following:

• Immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus
• If you’ve had an organ transplant
• Lung or breathing problems
• Liver problems
• Nervous system condition such as myasthenia gravis or Gullian Barré
• If you are being treated for an infection
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tecentriq         can harm your unborn baby, so you should not become pregnant during treatment with Tecentriq. If you become pregnant during treatment or think you may be pregnant, tell your healthcare provider right away.
• Women who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of Tecentriq.
• Women should avoid breastfeeding as it is not known if Tecentriq passes into the breast milk.
• Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

When should patients notify their physician?

Contact your healthcare professional immediately in case of any of the following:

Lung problems:

• New or worsening cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

Liver problems:

• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Pain on right side of stomach area
• Drowsiness
• Dark urine
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Loss of appetite

Intestinal problems:

• Diarrhea
• Blood in stool
• Severe stomach area pain or tenderness

Hormone gland problems:

• Unusual or lasting headaches
• Extreme fatigue
• Weight gain or loss
• Feeling more hungry or thirsty as usual
• Hair loss
• Mood or behavior changes
• Feeling cold
• Constipation
• Deeper voice
• Frequent urination
• Nausea or vomiting

Nervous system problems:

• Severe muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Fever
• Confusion
• Extreme sensitivity to light
• Neck stiffness

Eye problems:

• Blurry or double vision
• Eye pain or redness

Severe infections:

• Fever
• Cough
• Frequent urination
• Flu-like symptoms
• Pain when urinating

Severe infusion reactions:

• Chills or shaking
• Itching or rash
• Flushing
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Feel like passing out
• Back or neck pain
• Facial swelling

These symptoms could be a sign of pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, hormone problems, nervous systems problems, and life-threatening infections.

What is a package insert?

A package insert is required by the FDA and contains a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug for healthcare providers and consumers. A package insert typically includes information regarding specific indications, administration schedules, dosing, side effects, contraindications, results from some clinical trials, chemical structure, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the specific drug. By carefully reviewing the package insert, you will get the most complete and current information about how to safely use this drug. If you do not have the package insert for the drug you are using, your pharmacist or physician may be able to provide you with a copy.

Last updated on 09/16.

Important Limitations of Use

The information provided above on the drug you have selected is provided for your information only and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical doctor. We are providing this information solely as a courtesy and, as such, it is in no way a recommendation as to the safety, efficacy or appropriateness of any particular drug, regimen, dosing schedule for any particular cancer, condition or patient nor is it in any way to be considered medical advice. Patients should discuss the appropriateness of a particular drug or chemotherapy regimen with their physician.

As with any printed reference, the use of particular drugs, regimens and drug dosages may become out-of-date over time, since new information may have been published and become generally accepted after the latest update to this printed information. Please keep in mind that health care professionals are fully responsible for practicing within current standards, avoiding use of outdated regimens, employing good clinical judgment kin selecting drugs and/or regimens, in calculating doses for individual patients, and verifying all dosage calculations.

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