The timing of cancer treatment may be more critical than previously understood. A growing body of evidence suggests that administering immunotherapy, often in combination with chemotherapy, earlier in the day – specifically before – can significantly improve outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Researchers have long known that the body’s natural rhythms, known as circadian rhythms, influence a wide range of biological processes. These internal clocks regulate hormone release, sleep-wake cycles, and even immune function. Recent studies are now revealing that these rhythms may also play a crucial role in how effectively cancer treatments work.
A randomized trial, detailed in a study published this week in Nature Medicine, enrolled patients diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer. The findings indicated that patients who received their first rounds of immunochemotherapy before experienced a longer progression-free survival – approximately months compared to about months for those treated later in the day. These patients lived almost a year longer on average.
“It has always been hypothesized that our immune system may be affected by our circadian rhythm,” explains Dr. Joshua Sabari, an oncologist at NYU Langone Health. “This means that immune cells may function differently in the morning than in the late afternoon or evening.” This observation supports the idea that aligning treatment with the body’s natural immune cycles could enhance its effectiveness.
The study focused on immunochemotherapy, a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy works by harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, while chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The combination is a common treatment approach for many types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer.
The findings, reported on , by SurvivorNet, demonstrate a lower risk of cancer progression and a lower risk of early death for those receiving treatment earlier in the day. These are significant improvements, highlighting the potential impact of timing on treatment success.
While the results are promising, experts caution that further research is needed before widespread changes to treatment schedules are implemented. Larger studies and a review of past trials are necessary to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms at play. SurvivorNet urges measured optimism, emphasizing that more data is required before treatment standards can be altered.
This isn’t the first indication of a link between treatment timing and outcomes. Evidence is mounting that timing may also influence the effectiveness of vaccines and the risk of complications after surgery. For example, one study found that valve replacement surgery carried a lower risk when performed in the afternoon.
The research builds on observational studies that previously suggested a connection between the time of day and cancer treatment efficacy. This new study, led by researchers in China, is the first to rigorously test this hypothesis in a controlled clinical trial.
The implications of these findings extend beyond lung cancer. Researchers are now exploring whether similar principles apply to other types of cancer and treatments. Understanding how the body’s internal clock interacts with cancer therapies could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies.
For patients currently undergoing cancer treatment, it’s important to discuss these findings with their healthcare team. While treatment schedules shouldn’t be altered without medical guidance, being aware of this emerging research can empower patients to have informed conversations with their doctors. We see crucial to remember that this research is still evolving, and more data is needed to establish definitive recommendations.
The study underscores the importance of considering the body’s natural rhythms when designing and delivering cancer care. As our understanding of the interplay between circadian biology and cancer treatment grows, we may be able to optimize treatment schedules to maximize benefits and improve outcomes for patients.
