A recent study indicates that administering anticancer immunotherapy earlier in the day can significantly enhance survival rates for patients with cancer. Research published in the journal Cancer highlights the influence of the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, on the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments. This discovery may lead to new protocols in cancer care that optimize treatment timing for better patient outcomes.
The study, conducted at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine at Central South University in China, involved 397 patients diagnosed with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. Between May 2019 and October 2023, these patients received immunotherapy drugs, specifically atezolizumab or durvalumab, in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Researchers found that patients who received treatment before 15:00 experienced more favorable outcomes. Those treated earlier in the day demonstrated longer progression-free survival—the duration without cancer progression—as well as improved overall survival rates compared to those who received treatment later.
After accounting for various influencing factors, the analysis revealed that early administration was associated with a 52% reduction in the risk of cancer progression and a 63% lower risk of death. These findings underscore the potential of timing in cancer treatment efficacy.
Yongchang Zhang, MD, the senior author of the study, noted, “Adjusting infusion timing is a straightforward and easily implementable intervention that can be adopted across diverse health care settings without additional cost.” He emphasized that this research could significantly alter existing treatment protocols for small cell lung cancer, making it a promising development in the field of oncology.
The implications of this study extend beyond the laboratory, offering real-world applications that could enhance patient care. As healthcare providers consider the timing of immunotherapy treatments, the findings may lead to changes in how therapies are administered, ultimately improving survival rates for cancer patients globally.
For further details, refer to the published study: “Overall survival according to time-of-day of immunochemotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer,” Cancer, DOI: 10.1002/cncr.70126.
