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Anti-PD-L1 Monoclonal Antibody — Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (Specialist Oncology Drug)

Avelumab

Brand names: Bavencio

Avelumab is a monoclonal antibody immune checkpoint inhibitor used in certain cancers, including Merkel cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It binds programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), blocking its interaction with PD-1 and restoring T-cell-mediated anti-tumour immune responses.

Prescribing in practice

  • It can cause immune-related adverse effects affecting many organ systems, which may be serious and require corticosteroids and treatment interruption.
  • Infusion-related reactions can occur and premedication may be used to reduce risk.
  • It is a specialist oncology medicine administered by intravenous infusion under cancer services.

Monitoring

Monitor for immune-related adverse effects across organ systems and for infusion reactions before and during each cycle.

Counselling the patient

  • Report any new or worsening symptoms such as diarrhoea, breathlessness, rash or fatigue, as these may reflect immune-related effects.
  • Carry an alert card identifying you as receiving immunotherapy.

Evidence & guidelines

Avelumab is supported by clinical trial evidence in Merkel cell and urothelial carcinoma and is recommended within defined indications.

Reference: NICE TA521 (Avelumab for Merkel cell carcinoma, 2018); NICE TA644 (Avelumab maintenance for urothelial carcinoma, 2020); JAVELIN Bladder 100 trial (NEJM 2020); ESMO MCC Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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