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Anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (specialist)

Durvalumab

Brand names: Imfinzi

Durvalumab is a monoclonal antibody immune checkpoint inhibitor used in several cancers, including non-small-cell and small-cell lung cancer and biliary tract cancer.

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 CD80 and thereby releasing inhibition of cytotoxic T cells to enhance antitumour immunity.

Prescribing in practice

  • It can cause immune-related adverse effects in any organ, including pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis and endocrinopathies, which can be severe and may need corticosteroids and dose interruption.
  • Infusion-related reactions can occur and require monitoring during administration.
  • It is given by intravenous infusion under specialist oncology supervision.

Monitoring

Monitor for immune-related adverse reactions, including liver, thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, lung and bowel involvement, before and during treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • Report new cough, breathlessness, persistent diarrhoea, rash or marked fatigue without delay.
  • Carry an alert that you are receiving immunotherapy so other clinicians are aware.

Evidence & guidelines

Durvalumab is supported by trial evidence (including the PACIFIC trial in stage III non-small-cell lung cancer) and is appraised by NICE within licensed indications.

Reference: multiple NICE TAs; ESMO IO toxicity guidelines; SmPC; 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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