Immunotherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer

Immunotherapy works with the body’s immune system to find, attack, and kill cancer cells. These drugs can work in different ways. Some boost the immune system, so it can fight cancer better. Other immunotherapy drugs help the immune system better recognize cancer cells. 

These are the latest immunotherapy drugs approved to treat lung cancer. They are known as checkpoint inhibitors and are given by IV (through a vein). New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list.

Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your healthcare team. Be sure to tell your healthcare team about any side effects you do have.

Search by Drug Name

IV (through a vein) =      Pill =

Treatment Type

Checkpoint Inhibitors

Drug Names
Imfinzi® (durvalumab) (IV)
Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) (IV)
Important Things to Know - Imfinzi

This drug is used with etoposide and a platinum chemotherapy drug for advanced small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Platinum chemotherapy for lung cancer includes cisplatin (Platinol, Platinol-AQ, CDDP) or carboplatin (Paraplatin).

Important Things to Know - Tecentriq

This drug is often given at the same time as the chemotherapy drugs carboplatin, paclitaxel, or etoposide. It may also be given with Avastin® (bevacizumab), a drug that targets blood vessel growth.