avelumab + pemetrexed

Avelumab + pemetrexed is a combination therapy of two distinct anticancer agents used in clinical studies for the treatment of advanced cancers, including advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other solid tumors. - **Avelumab** is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to the programmed death-ligand 1 (**PD-L1**), blocking its interaction with PD-1 and B7.1 receptors, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response and enabling T-cell–mediated antitumor activity via both adaptive and innate immune mechanisms, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity[6]. - **Pemetrexed** is an antifolate chemotherapy agent that inhibits multiple folate-dependent enzymes required for DNA and RNA synthesis, primarily **thymidylate synthase (TS)**, **dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)**, and **glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT)**, leading to impaired tumor cell replication and survival[2][4]. This combination has been tested especially in NSCLC in combination with carboplatin as part of chemotherapy regimens. The combination leverages avelumab's immune checkpoint inhibition with the cytotoxic effect of pemetrexed. Primary indications investigated in trials include advanced non-squamous NSCLC and MTAP-deficient advanced urothelial cancer. The combination is not established as standard of care and its clinical development status is influenced by evolving treatment paradigms[1][3].

Brand names

avelumab + pemetrexed

Other names

avelumab plus pemetrexedavelumab and pemetrexed