The results of the Checkmate153 study suggest that patients who are effectively treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are better off continuing the drug after 1 year than stopping it. But how long do you have to continue after 1 year? The longest time spent in foreign clinical trials so far has been 2 years. On the other hand, several studies suggest that even in patients who discontinue the drug, the disease continues to remit after discontinuation. Therefore, there is no definitive answer as to how long is appropriate, and it is up to scientists to answer through research.
Co-reviewed by: Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute Dr. Wang Zhen, deputy chief physician Sun Hao