Timing of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Infusion and Survival in Biliary Tract Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Zheng Yichen, Shi Fanfan, Sun Lingqi, Guo Jiamin, Ren Tonghui, Ma Ji
Primary Institution: West China Hospital, Sichuan University
Hypothesis
Does the timing of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) administration affect survival outcomes in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer?
Conclusion
Administering immune checkpoint inhibitors before 16:30 is associated with better survival outcomes in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients receiving ≥20% of ICIs after 16:30 had a median overall survival of 10.1 months compared to 14.5 months for those with fewer late infusions.
- Multivariate analysis confirmed that late infusion timing was significantly associated with poorer overall survival.
- Earlier ICI administration was linked to improved progression-free survival.
Takeaway
Giving cancer treatment earlier in the day can help patients live longer. This study found that patients who got their treatment after 4:30 PM didn't do as well.
Methodology
The study included advanced biliary tract cancer patients who received at least two ICI treatments, analyzed using propensity score matching and Cox proportional hazards regression.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to the non-randomized nature of the study and the small sample size.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and conducted at a single center, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Average age was 57.97 years, with 53% males; 62% received ICIs as first-line therapy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.012
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 7.9–14.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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