Tecentriq Gets a New Job

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Tecentriq (atezolizumab) to treat advanced lung cancer.

This approval is based on two international clinical trials.

Atezolizumab is approved to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body and whose condition has worsened during or after receiving chemotherapy that contains platinum.

For patients with a tumor with an abnormal EGFR or ALK gene, atezolizumab can be used if they have previously tried a medication that has been approved to treat tumors with these abnormal genes and that medication did not work or is no longer working.

This medication is already approved to treat advanced urothelial carcinoma, the most common type of bladder cancer.

Atezolizumab is administered into the vein over 60 minutes every three weeks. Your doctor will determine the number of treatments you need.

Common side effects may include feeling very tired, decreased appetite and trouble breathing.

Genentech Oncology manufactures Tecentriq.