On June 14, 2024, the U.S. FDA approved AstraZeneca's Durvalumab (IMFINZI ® ) for primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer with mismatch repair deficiency.
Endometrial cancer is the most prevalent gynecologic cancer, with an estimated 66,200 new U.S. cases in 2023.
This approval demonstrates the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly targeting PD-L1 (CD274, B7-H1), a crucial factor in tumor immune evasion. Studying PD-L1 is essential for developing therapies that enhance immune responses to various cancers, potentially improving treatment success and patient outcomes. Mechanism of action Durvalumab targets PD-L1, a key immune checkpoint.
Normally, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) recognize cancer cell antigens and activate cytotoxic T cells, which travel to the tumor site for eradication. However, tumors enhance their survival by suppressing these T-cell responses via PD-L1. PD-L1, a type 1 transmembrane protein, is induced by inflammatory signals such as IFN-gamma and is found on both tumor and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.
It inhibits T cell activation and function by binding to PD-1 and CD80 receptors on T cells, reducing the immune response. Related Stories InDevR and Sino Biological team up to deliver multiplexed analytical solutions for mRNA vaccine and cell & gene therapy An ActRIIA fusion protein got FDA approved for PAH treatment FDA approves AChEI ALPHA-1062 for alzheimer’s disease treatment By binding to PD-L1, Durvaluma.