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IMFINZI Mechanism of Action for the ADRIATIC Regimen

Explore CASPIAN Data for IMFINZI in ES-SCLC

The ADRIATIC trial investigated IMFINZI (durvalumab) following cCRT only, however, NICE recommends and SMC accepts its use following either sCRT or cCRT for the management of LS-SCLC.^1,2,4,6

How IMFINZI works for LS-SCLC: a detailed mechanism of action

IMFINZI is a human monoclonal antibody that targets PD-L1, a protein overexpressed on tumour and immune cells within the tumour microenvironment.¹
PD-L1 binds to PD-1 and CD80 to reduce T-cell activation and suppress immune responses.¹
Tumour cells exploit PD-L1 overexpression to avoid destruction by the immune system.¹
IMFINZI blocks PD-L1 from interacting with PD-1 and CD80, disrupting this immune-evasion mechanism.¹
This blockade enhances cytotoxic T-cell activation, restoring their ability to recognise and destroy cancer cells.¹

IMFINZI blocks PD-L1, enhancing immune response.¹

AEGEAN Study design for resectable NSCLC randomising patients to perioperative durvalumab arm or placebo arm

Adapted from IMFINZI Summary of Product Characteristics.¹

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ADRIATIC indication: IMFINZI as monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of adults with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) whose disease has not progressed following platinum-based chemoradiation therapy.¹

CASPIAN indication: IMFINZI in combination with etoposide and either carboplatin or cisplatin is indicated for the first-line treatment of adults with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES‑SCLC).¹

NICE recommends IMFINZI can be used, within its marketing authorisation, as an option to treat limited-stage small-cell lung cancer that has not progressed after platinum-based chemoradiotherapy in adults. IMFINZI can only be used if the company provides it according to the commercial arrangement.²

SMC has accepted durvalumab for treating adults with LS-SCLC. It is used in patients whose disease has not got worse after platinum-based chemoradiation therapy (chemotherapy and radiotherapy given at the same time).⁴

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Discover more about the ADRIATIC study design and efficacy outcomes

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CD80, cluster of differentiation 80; cCRT, concurrent chemoradiotherapy; ES-SCLC, extensive-stage small cell lung cancer; IO, immunotherapy; LS-SCLC, limited-stage small-cell lung cancer; PD-1, programmed cell death 1; PD-L1, programmed death-ligand 1; sCRT, sequential chemoradiotherapy

IMFINZI (durvalumab) Summary of Product Characteristics. [Accessed September 2026]
NICE. Durvalumab for treating limited-stage small-cell lung cancer after platinum-based chemoradiotherapy -TA1099 (October 2025). Available at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta1099/resources/durvalumab-for-treating-limitedstage-smallcell-lung-cancer-after-platinumbased-chemoradiotherapy-pdf-2973528765889477. [Accessed September 2026]
NICE. Durvalumab with etoposide and either carboplatin or cisplatin for untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. Available at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta1041. [Accessed September 2026]
SMC. IMFINZI (durvalumab) Available at https://scottishmedicines.org.uk/media/8945/durvalumab-imfinzi-abbreviated-final-jan-2025-for-website.pdf. [Accessed September 2026]
SMC. IMFINZI (durvalumab) Available at https://scottishmedicines.org.uk/medicines-advice/durvalumab-imfinzi-abb-smc2734/. [Accessed September 2026]
Cheng Y, et al. Durvalumab after Chemoradiotherapy in Limited-Stage-Cell Lung Cancer. N Engl J Med 2024;391(14):1313-1327 (including protocol).

GB-76775 | DOP: September 2026

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IMFINZI Mechanism of Action for the ADRIATIC Regimen

The ADRIATIC trial investigated IMFINZI (durvalumab) following cCRT only, however, NICE recommends and SMC accepts its use following either sCRT or cCRT for the management of LS-SCLC.^1,2,4,6

How IMFINZI works for LS-SCLC: a detailed mechanism of action

IMFINZI blocks PD-L1, enhancing immune response.¹

Continue exploring the ADRIATIC regimen

Enhance your knowledge, stay informed

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IMFINZI Mechanism of Action for the ADRIATIC Regimen

The ADRIATIC trial investigated IMFINZI (durvalumab) following cCRT only, however, NICE recommends and SMC accepts its use following either sCRT or cCRT for the management of LS-SCLC.1,2,4,6

How IMFINZI works for LS-SCLC: a detailed mechanism of action

IMFINZI blocks PD-L1, enhancing immune response.1

Footnotes

Continue exploring the ADRIATIC regimen

Abbreviations and References

Enhance your knowledge, stay informed

Be the first to know. Hear about events, products and ways to support your patients.

Thank you. We will be in touch

The ADRIATIC trial investigated IMFINZI (durvalumab) following cCRT only, however, NICE recommends and SMC accepts its use following either sCRT or cCRT for the management of LS-SCLC.^1,2,4,6

IMFINZI blocks PD-L1, enhancing immune response.¹