Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) vs Alecensa (alectinib)
Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) vs Alecensa (alectinib)
Tecentriq (atezolizumab) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that works by blocking the protein PD-L1, which is involved in suppressing the immune system's response to cancer cells, and is commonly used for treating certain types of lung cancer, as well as bladder cancer and other solid tumors. Alecensa (alectinib) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor specifically designed to target the ALK gene mutation, and is used for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is ALK-positive. The choice between Tecentriq and Alecensa would largely depend on the specific genetic characteristics of the cancer; for example, a patient with ALK-positive NSCLC may benefit from Alecensa, while a patient with a different type of tumor expressing PD-L1 might be a candidate for Tecentriq.
Difference between Tecentriq and Alecensa
| Metric | Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) | Alecensa (alectinib) |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | Atezolizumab | Alectinib |
| Indications | Urothelial carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer | Non-small cell lung cancer |
| Mechanism of action | PD-L1 inhibitor, immunotherapy | ALK inhibitor, tyrosine kinase inhibitor |
| Brand names | Tecentriq | Alecensa |
| Administrative route | Intravenous infusion | Oral |
| Side effects | Fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, urinary tract infections, fever | Fatigue, constipation, swelling, muscle pain, anemia |
| Contraindications | None known universally, caution in patients with autoimmune disease or prior organ transplantation | None known universally, caution in patients with hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment |
| Drug class | Monoclonal antibody, PD-L1 blocking antibody | Tyrosine kinase inhibitor |
| Manufacturer | Genentech (Roche) | Genentech (Roche) |
Efficacy
Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) Efficacy in Lung Cancer
Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor specifically targeting the PD-L1 protein, which is used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including lung cancer. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Tecentriq has shown efficacy in both first-line and second-line treatments. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Tecentriq, when used alone or in combination with other therapies, can improve overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with NSCLC. The efficacy of Tecentriq is particularly notable in patients whose tumors express high levels of PD-L1, where the immune system is more likely to respond to the therapy.
For small cell lung cancer (SCLC), Tecentriq has also been found to be effective when used in combination with chemotherapy. Studies have shown that adding Tecentriq to the standard chemotherapy regimen can lead to a significant increase in survival rates compared to chemotherapy alone. This benefit has been observed in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, which is a particularly aggressive form of the disease.
Alecensa (Alectinib) Efficacy in Lung Cancer
Alecensa (Alectinib) is a targeted therapy designed to inhibit the activity of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which is a driver of tumor growth in some cases of non-small cell lung cancer. Alectinib is specifically indicated for the treatment of patients with NSCLC that is ALK-positive, as confirmed by an FDA-approved test. In clinical trials, Alecensa has been shown to be highly effective in shrinking tumors in ALK-positive NSCLC patients, with a significant proportion of patients achieving partial or complete responses to the treatment.
Moreover, Alecensa has been found to have a remarkable impact on progression-free survival in ALK-positive NSCLC patients, with studies indicating that it can substantially delay the progression of the disease compared to other ALK inhibitors. Additionally, Alecensa has demonstrated efficacy in treating central nervous system metastases, which are common in ALK-positive NSCLC patients. This is particularly important as many cancer therapies have limited effectiveness in crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Regulatory Agency Approvals
Tecentriq
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European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
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Health Canada
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Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
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Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
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Medsafe (NZ)
Alecensa
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European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
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Health Canada
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Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
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Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
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Medsafe (NZ)
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If Tecentriq or Alecensa are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.
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