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0Chronotherapy involving immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrates that the precise time of day when treatment is administered can significantly impact patient survival rates. While numerous retrospective studies and preclinical trials indicate that morning infusions yield superior anti-tumor responses compared to afternoon treatments, controversy remains due to conflicting findings and the long half-lives of these drugs. Researchers hypothesize that these temporal differences are driven by circadian immune variations, specifically regarding CD8+ T cell behavior and a potential refractory period following the initial dose. To validate these observations, several prospective clinical trials are currently underway to determine optimal dosing frequencies and schedules. Ultimately, integrating circadian biology into oncology could refine standard cancer care, though it may also introduce logistical challenges for medical facilities.
References:
Gül Z M, Zeng Q, Merkler D, et al. Chronotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors: The knowns, the unknowns, and the contested[J]. Cancer Cell, 2026.
