Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) for Melanoma

Overview
Tecentriq is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable (inoperable) melanoma or metastatic melanoma (melanoma that has spread), in combination with cobimetinib and vemurafenib. Tecentriq is also known by its drug name, atezolizumab.

Atezolizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking antibodies. It works by enhancing the body’s immune response against cancer cells. The drug does this by inhibiting a pathway that restricts the immune system’s ability to destroy cancer cells, thereby allowing the immune cells to attack and eliminate the cancer more effectively.

How do I take it?
Tecentriq is administered intravenously. It’s usually taken following a 28-day cycle of cobimetinib and vemurafenib and is administered every two, three, or four weeks, depending on dosage. The medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
When taken with cobimetinib and vemurafenib, common side effects of Tecentriq for people with melanoma include rash, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, hepatotoxicity (liver damage), pyrexia (fever), nausea, pruritus (itching), edema (swelling), stomatitis (inflammation within the mouth), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and photosensitivity reaction (sensitivity to light).

Rare but serious side effects may include severe or life-threatening immune-mediated adverse reactions, including pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, dermatologic (skin) adverse reactions, nephritis and renal (kidney) dysfunction, and solid organ transplant rejection. Other rare but serious side effects include infusion-related reactions; complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); and embryo-fetal toxicity (fetal harm).

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) Injection, for Intravenous Use — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Atezolizumab Injection — MedlinePlus