Table of Contents
What Is Avelumab?
Avelumab is an immunotherapy medication that aids in the battle against cancer by stopping cancer cells from hiding from immune cells by blocking the PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) protein on cancer cells. It is used for Merkel cell carcinoma, some kidney malignancies, and urothelial tumors, enabling cells to identify and combat malignancies. As a maintenance treatment following the first chemotherapy, it is administered intravenously in a clinic every 2 weeks.
How Avelumab Works?
Avelumab helps the immune system fight cancer through a specific body mechanism of action. In this Avelumab mechanism, T-cells, the body’s immune “soldiers”, are able to find and destroy unhealthy cells. Some cancer cells hide by expressing a protein called PD-L1, which acts like an “off switch” that tells T cells not to attack. Avelumab blocks PD-L1, removing this signal so the cancer can no longer hide. As a result, T-cells can clearly see and attack the cancer, allowing the body to fight the disease naturally.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) - Approved Avelumab Uses and Indications
Avelumab is a medication used to treat three different kinds of cancer. It works by helping your immune system recognize and fight off cancer cells. The FDA has approved the following Avelumab uses:
-
Skin Cancer (Merkel Cell Carcinoma):
Avelumab is used for people aged 12 and older with a rare skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It was the first FDA-approved drug for this cancer.
-
Urothelial Carcinoma, Bladder and Urinary Tract Cancer:
Avelumab treats a common type of bladder cancer. It is often given after chemotherapy to help keep the cancer from coming back or spreading.
-
Renal Cell Carcinoma, or Kidney Cancer:
Avelumab is used as a first treatment for advanced kidney cancer, usually with another drug called Axitinib. Together, they help slow tumor growth.
Dosing and Administration
A doctor or nurse will administer Avelumab in a hospital or clinic. It is administered as a liquid via an IV tube inserted into your vein. The average session duration is 60 minutes. This treatment is typically administered once every 2 weeks.
Your doctor will first prescribe other medications to help keep you comfortable. These often include allergy medication and pain medication. To avoid any responses, you will have them before your first 4 treatments. Your doctor will then determine whether you still require them.
What to Anticipate?
-
Dosage:
800 mg (milligrams) is the standard dosage for most individuals.
-
Timetable:
Every 14 days, you should visit the clinic.
-
How Long:
You'll probably continue taking it as long as it makes you feel better.
Avelumab Side Effects
Avelumab may have side effects, just like any medication. It can occasionally lead to your body attacking healthy portions of itself since it makes your immune system work harder. The majority of people experience moderate side effects.
1. Risks of Avelumab:
The most significant risk is an overactive immune system. We refer to this as an immune-mediated response. It may occur months after you stop medication or at any point during your course of treatment. In addition to keeping a careful eye on you, your doctor may use blood tests to examine your thyroid, liver, and kidneys. Make sure to let your care team know if you have a history of organ transplants or other immunological issues.
2. Serious Adverse Reactions:
If you see any of these warning signals, you should contact your physician or seek immediate assistance:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or cough are examples of lung problems.
- Bowel issues include diarrhea with blood or mucus, or excruciating stomach discomfort.
- Liver problems include yellow eyes or complexion, black urine, or right-sided stomach pain.
- Changes in hormones might cause migraines, extreme cold, or a fast heartbeat.
- Feeling lightheaded, itching, or having difficulty breathing while receiving the medication is known as an infusion reaction.
3. Typical Adverse Reactions:
Many people get mild side effects that don't necessitate quitting the medication. These frequently consist of:
- Feeling weak or extremely exhausted (fatigue).
- Pain in your joints, muscles, or bones.
- Rash or skin irritation.
- Nausea or decreased hunger.
- Swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands.
Avelumab Precautions
You should discuss your medical history with your doctor before beginning any treatment. Depending on their prior medical conditions, this medication may have various effects on different people. If you have ever had an organ transplant or an immune system condition such as Crohn's disease, please mention it.
Crucial Safety Measures:
-
Pregnancy and Nursing:
This medication may harm an unborn child. Birth control should be used both during your therapy and for a minimum of 1 month following your last dose. Additionally, women shouldn't breastfeed during this period.
-
Other Health Concerns:
Inform your team if you have a history of lung, liver, or cardiac issues. Because this medication can alter blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should check their levels more frequently.
-
Vaccines:
While taking this medication, avoid live vaccines. Before receiving any vaccinations, always consult your physician.
-
Daily Safety:
Avelumab can make you feel very tired or dizzy. Until you understand how the medication affects you, avoid using heavy machinery or driving.
When to Seek Help?
Make a list of every medication you take. This includes over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbs. Even though there aren't many known drug interactions with this medication, it is always best for your doctor to review the entire list. Additionally, let them know whether you smoke or consume alcohol, as these behaviors may affect how you feel while receiving care.
Conclusion
Avelumab is a cancer treatment medicine that helps the immune system see and fight cancer cells. Blocking the PD-L1 protein allows immune cells to attack cancers, including certain skin, bladder, and kidney cancers. Given every two weeks in a clinic, it is an important advance in cancer care that helps many patients live longer by supporting the body’s natural defenses. Talk to a cancer specialist to see if Avelumab may be the right treatment option for you and to understand how it fits into your overall cancer care plan.
Key Takeaways
- Avelumab helps the immune system find and attack cancer by blocking the PD-L1 protein.
- It is approved to treat Merkel cell skin cancer, bladder cancer, and advanced kidney cancer.
- Patients generally tolerate it well. However, monitoring is needed to manage immune-related adverse effects.
