durvalumab subcutaneous (MEDI4736 SC) / AstraZeneca - LARVOL DELTA

Small cell lung cancer humanized mouse models identifies unique T cell infiltration immune phenotypes in response to combination immune-radiation therapies. (AACR 2026) - "We further characterized SCLC hu-mice for their ability to model therapeutic sensitivity, focusing on a novel triplet regimen, AZD1390 (ATM inhibitor) with radiotherapy (RT) and durvalumab (aPDL1), to investigate how DNA damage repair inhibition plus RT can reshape the immune microenvironment and sensitize SCLC subtypes to aPDL1. Immunodeficient mice were intravenously injected with human PBMCs and subcutaneously engrafted with a panel of human SCLC cell-lines corresponding to all subtypes. Our preclinical observations demonstrate PBMC hu-mice as a viable platform to model intrinsic immune-tumor characteristics of engrafted human SCLC cell-lines. Combinatory radiation therapy enhanced anti-PDL1 efficacy in select models. Future studies will aim to identify response-defining features of treated models to improve patient selection in clinical trials."

IO biomarker • Preclinical • Lung Cancer • Oncology • Small Cell Lung Cancer • Solid Tumor • ASCL1 • CD8 • CGAS • CXCL10 • ENTPD1 • IFNG • ITGAE • NEUROD1 • POU2F3 • STING

Preclinical Characterization of ALG-094295, a highly potent and orally bioavailable small molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor targeting dimerization, internalization and degradation of PD-L1 (AACR 2026) - "In a humanized PD-L1 MC38 mouse model, a single oral dose of ALG-094295 (5 mg/kg) achieved PD-L1 target engagement comparable to INCB086550 (150 mg/kg PO). Daily oral dosing of ALG-094295 (50 or 150 mg/kg) in humanized PD-L1 MC38 mice over 21 days resulted in tumor growth inhibition equivalent to twice-weekly administration of durvalumab (10 mg/kg IV), with tumor size correlating with increased CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration... ALG-094295 is a highly potent and orally bioavailable small molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor that promotes PD-L1 dimerization, internalization and degradation. ALG-094295 has the potential to overcome some limitations of antibody-based therapies due to potent PD-L1 blockade, oral delivery and novel mechanism of action."

Preclinical • Oncology • CD8

ASSESSING DISTRIBUTION OF SOCIAL AND PRIVATE VALUE CREATION BY DRUGS REGULATING PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH-1IN CANCER TREATMENT... (ISPOR 2026) - "Pembrolizumab generated a positive net health value ($14.3B), as did cemiplimab ($.86B) and dostarlimab ($.03B). Negative net health value was generated by nivolumab (-$5.1B), atezolivumab (-$4.4B), avelumab (-$.064B), and durvalumab (-$5.9B). PD-1 drugs created substantial social and private value, with evident variation by drug indication and lifecycle. These findings provide a basis for assessing the return on both public and private investments and evidence-based policy regarding drug pricing and innovation."

Oncology

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus-like drug eruption after durvalumab treatment for squamous cell carcinoma. (PubMed, Dermatol Online J) - "A subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus-like drug eruption was observed in a patient with durvalumab infusion, with increasing severity after each dose. The eruption improved with cessation of durvalumab, hydroxychloroquine therapy, and sun protection."

Journal • Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus • Immunology • Inflammatory Arthritis • Lupus • Oncology • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

ESMO 2024: Treatment of uHCC : Episode 2: Treatment Decisions Based on BLCL Stage (OncLive) - "Panelists discuss current treatment options for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, including atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, durvalumab plus tremelimumab, and transarterial chemoembolization, along with the factors influencing treatment decisions."

Video