Can the time of day I receive immunotherapy affect my lung cancer treatment?

Yes, a recent study found that receiving IV immunotherapy before 3 p.m. was associated with longer survival for lung cancer patients.

What is the effect of circadian rhythms on cancer immunotherapy?

Researchers suggest that the body's internal clock (circadian rhythm) may influence immune reactions, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy when administered at optimal times.

Is there an inexpensive way to improve cancer survival rates?

Adjusting the timing of IV immunotherapy infusions to earlier in the day may be a simple, cost-effective method to potentially extend survival for cancer patients.

Home / Health / Earlier Cancer Doses Linked to Longer Survival

Earlier Cancer Doses Linked to Longer Survival

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

IV immunotherapy given before 3 p.m. linked to better outcomes.
Patients had 52% lower risk of progression, 63% lower risk of death.
Circadian rhythms likely influence treatment effectiveness.

A recent study indicates that the timing of cancer treatment could significantly impact patient survival. For individuals with advanced small cell lung cancer receiving IV immunotherapy, doses administered earlier in the day, specifically before 3 p.m., were associated with markedly improved outcomes.

Researchers tracked nearly 400 patients and found that those treated before 3 p.m. experienced a substantial decrease in cancer progression and mortality. This simple adjustment in infusion schedules holds promise as an inexpensive method to enhance survival rates across various healthcare settings.

The observed effects are thought to be related to the body's natural circadian rhythms, which influence bodily processes, including immune responses. While these findings are promising for immediate clinical application, further research is needed to fully understand and leverage biological rhythms for optimizing cancer therapies.

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