Imfinzi (Durvalumab) for bladder cancer

Overview
Imfinzi is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in combination with chemotherapy prior to surgery (neoadjuvant), followed by Imfinzi alone after surgery (adjuvant). It is intended for people who are undergoing radical cystectomy (surgical removal of the bladder). Imfinzi is also known by its drug name, durvalumab.

Imfinzi is a type of immunotherapy called a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor. It works by helping 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 (IV) infusion. For MIBC, the recommended treatment includes:

• Neoadjuvant phase — Imfinzi is typically given every three weeks for four cycles in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin before surgery.
• Adjuvant phase — After surgery, Imfinzi is typically continued alone every four weeks for up to eight cycles.

Imfinzi should be administered exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Imfinzi in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin for MIBC include decreased hemoglobin, decreased neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), increased blood creatinine (a marker of kidney function), decreased sodium, nausea, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT, a liver enzyme), decreased calcium, decreased platelets, fatigue, increased potassium, decreased lymphocytes (another type of white blood cell), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST, a liver enzyme), constipation, decreased magnesium, decreased appetite, increased alkaline phosphatase (another liver enzyme), rash, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Rare but serious side effects may include immune-mediated reactions such as pneumonitis (lung inflammation), colitis (inflammation of the colon), hepatitis (liver inflammation), endocrinopathies (hormone-related conditions), severe skin reactions, nephritis (kidney inflammation), and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Other serious risks include infusion-related reactions, complications from stem cell transplants, and harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy.

For more information about this treatment, visit:
Imfinzi (Durvalumab) Injection, for Intravenous Use — AstraZeneca