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What Is Bavencio?

Bavencio is a prescription cancer medicine containing avelumab, a programmed death ligand-1 blocking antibody. It is approved for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma in adults and patients age 12 and older, selected locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, and advanced renal cell carcinoma when paired with axitinib. Bavencio is given by intravenous infusion.

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What Is Bavencio?

Bavencio is a prescription cancer medicine containing avelumab, a programmed death ligand-1 blocking antibody. It is approved for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma in adults and patients age 12 and older, selected locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, and advanced renal cell carcinoma when paired with axitinib. Bavencio is given by intravenous infusion.

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How Does Bavencio Block PD-L1?

Avelumab binds to PD-L1 and blocks its interaction with PD-1 and B7.1 receptors. PD-L1 signaling can suppress T-cell activity against tumor cells. Blocking this interaction restores immune activity against cancer cells. Laboratory studies also show antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity with avelumab.

Which Cancers Are Treated With Bavencio?

Bavencio treats metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma in adults and patients age 12 and older. It is also used for maintenance treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma that has not progressed after first-line platinum chemotherapy and for selected previously treated urothelial carcinoma. Bavencio with axitinib is used as first-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

How Are Bavencio Infusions Given?

The recommended Bavencio dose is 800 mg by intravenous infusion over 60 minutes every two weeks. Patients receive an antihistamine and acetaminophen before the first four infusions, with later premedication based on prior infusion reactions. For advanced renal cell carcinoma, Bavencio is paired with axitinib 5 mg by mouth twice daily.

What Serious Reactions Are Linked to Bavencio?

Bavencio can trigger severe or fatal immune-mediated reactions involving the lungs, colon, liver, hormone glands, kidneys, skin, heart, nervous system, and other organs. Infusion reactions, complications after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, cardiovascular events with axitinib, and fetal harm are other concerns. Liver enzymes, kidney function, and thyroid function are checked during treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bavencio

Is Bavencio an immunotherapy medicine?

Yes. Bavencio is a PD-L1 blocking antibody that restores immune activity against certain cancer cells.

How often is Bavencio given?

Bavencio is given by intravenous infusion every two weeks. Each infusion runs over 60 minutes.

Does Bavencio treat Merkel cell carcinoma?

Yes. Bavencio treats metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma in adults and patients age 12 and older.

Is Bavencio used with axitinib?

Yes. Bavencio is paired with axitinib as first-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

References

Avelumab. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/avelumab. Date Accessed September 15, 2026.

Avelumab Injection. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a617006.html. Date Accessed September 15, 2026.

BAVENCIO (avelumab) Prescribing Information. https://www.emdserono.com/us-en/pi/bavencio-pi.pdf. Date Accessed September 15, 2026.

DailyMed - BAVENCIO (avelumab) injection, solution, concentrate. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5cd725a1-2fa4-408a-a651-57a7b84b2118. Date Accessed September 15, 2026.

FDA Label - BAVENCIO (avelumab) Injection. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/761049s021lbl.pdf. Date Accessed September 15, 2026.