The role and efficacy of Avelumab

People with Merkel cell carcinoma that has spread and relapsed after chemotherapy have very limited treatment options. Although the response rate to avelumab is not outstanding, the duration of response (at least 6 months) is important in these patients because the duration of response to chemotherapy drugs is shorter. Additionally, data from the study showed that some patients who had not previously received chemotherapy also responded to avelumab treatment with similar duration of response.

In patients with urothelial cancer that is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body and has not worsened after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy, avelumab was shown to extend patients' lives compared with best supportive care. The safety profile of avelumab for this use is considered acceptable and side effects are manageable with additional measures. In patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, avelumab plus axitinib has been shown to prolong survival without worsening the disease compared with sunitinib, although overall patient survival remains to be seen. The combination's side effects were consistent with expectations and considered acceptable given the nature of the disease being treated.

Avelumab is an emerging cancer treatment drug. The original drug has not yet been marketed in China, so it cannot be included in medical insurance. The price of Avelumab's generic drug, 200mg/10mL per box, may be more than RMB 10,000 per box (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). We are not aware of any Avelumab generics being produced and put on the market. For specific prices and drug details, please consult Yade's medical consultant.