When you or someone in your family is diagnosed with cancer, it's normal to be curious and a little scared about the treatment. Especially when you hear about new medications, questions like "What will happen with this?" and "Will this work for me?" come to mind. Today we're going to talk about a relatively new and very important drug used to treat such cancers. Its name is Durvalumab. Let's talk about it simply, in a way that you can understand.
What is Durvalumab?
Simply put, Durvalumab is an antibody . But this is not a normal antibody. This is an antibody that is specially made in a laboratory. That's why we call it a Monoclonal Antibody . Its main function is to help our body's own immune system, teaching it to find and attack cancer cells.
Imagine, we have a defense army in our body (that is the immune system). But cancer cells are a very cunning enemy. They hide from these defense forces and spread inside the body by tricking them. This drug called Durvalumab does this by showing those hidden cancer cells to our defense forces. It is like telling them, "Here is where the enemy is, go and attack." Therefore, this treatment method belongs to the category of immunotherapy .
This medicine is currently mainly used for lung cancer . It can sometimes be used for other types of cancer. This is determined by your doctor based on your condition. You may find this medicine under the brand name IMFINZI.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting this medication, it is very important to clearly explain these things to your doctor, as this information will determine whether this medication is suitable for you or if you need special care.
- If you have autoimmune diseases: For example, diseases like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus. These are conditions in which your own immune system attacks your own body.
- If you have had or are planning to have a stem cell transplant: especially if you are having an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
- If you have had an organ transplant in the past: any organ such as a kidney or liver.
- If you have had radiation treatment to the chest.
- If you have diseases related to the nervous system: For example, conditions like Myasthenia Gravis or Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- If you have an allergic reaction to Durvalumab or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, this is extremely important .
Do not hide any of this information. It is essential for your safety that the doctor is aware of all of this.
How do you give this medicine?
Durvalumab is not a medicine you can take home. It is a medicine that is given into the body through a vein (infusion into a vein) . It is like giving saline, but it is only given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a trained medical professional.
Before each treatment session, you will be given a special leaflet (MedGuide) that contains information about this medicine. Always read it carefully, as it contains important information that you need to know.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is unlikely to happen as it is given in a hospital setting. However, if you suspect that you have taken too much of the medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
It is very important to take your medication on time for this treatment. If for some reason you are unable to come on time, call your doctor immediately and let them know.
Things to consider during treatment
- Common discomforts: You may feel a little lightheaded or dizzy while taking this medicine. This is normal. However, unless your doctor tells you to stop, continue with your course of treatment.
- Blood tests: Throughout your treatment, you will need to have regular blood tests to see how your body is responding to the medication.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding (very important): You should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping treatment. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting treatment. You should also avoid breast-feeding during this time.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medicines, Durvalumab can cause side effects. Although not everyone gets them, some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Stomach pain and diarrhea | Bloody or watery diarrhea, severe stomach pain. |
| Difficulty breathing | Dry cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Problems with the hormonal glands | Hyperthyroidism: Rapid heartbeat, weight loss, excessive sweating, tremors, restlessness. Hypothyroidism: Extreme fatigue, inability to tolerate cold, constipation, weight gain, dry skin. Low adrenal function: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness. |
| Pancreatitis | Severe stomach pain spreading to the back, pain that worsens after eating, fever, nausea, and vomiting. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever, chills, sore throat (signs of infection), redness of the skin, including the mouth, blistering, peeling skin, and swollen lymph nodes. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Fatigue | Feeling tired for no particular reason. |
| Hair loss | Hair thinning or loss during treatment. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience anything unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Durvalumab is a special drug that stimulates the body's own immune system to attack cancer cells.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies before starting treatment.
- This medicine is only given intravenously in a hospital. It is not a medicine that can be taken home.
- It is absolutely essential to avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding during treatment and for 3 months after stopping.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, severe diarrhea, yellowing of the skin, or severe skin problems, seek medical advice immediately.
- Talk openly with the doctor treating you about any questions or concerns you have.
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