Dr. Atkins Discusses Response to Atezolizumab in RCC

Michael B. Atkins, MD, deputy director, Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, professor of oncology and medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, discusses responses with atezolizumab (Tecentriq) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Data presented by David McDermott, MD, showed that there was a relationship between tumor microenvironment factors and efficacy with atezolizumab in RCC.

In the tumors that were T-effector high and myeloid low, atezolizumab alone or with bevacizumab (Avastin) showed better efficacy compared with sunitinib (Sutent). Conversely, in the T-effector high, myeloid-high subset, atezolizumab monotherapy did poorly, but did well with the addition of bevacizumab. This suggests that bevacizumab enhances the immune responsiveness of atezolizumab, says Atkins.