Is immunotherapy long term?

Longer-term follow-up of patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are treated with immunotherapy have appreciably extended survival at 5 years, suggesting that for some patients, this disease can be managed as a chronic condition.

Can you be on immunotherapy for years?

Immunotherapy should be continued for up to 2 years in patients with metastatic lung cancer who are responding to the treatment, unless they experience disease progression or excessive toxicity, according to Gilberto de Lima Lopes, MD.

Why do they stop immunotherapy after 2 years?

Long-term treatment with immunotherapy may not be financially sustainable for patients. Data suggest that stopping immunotherapy after 1 year of treatment could lead to inferior progression-free survival and overall survival, says Lopes.

How is immunotherapy different from chemotherapy?

Unlike chemotherapy, which acts directly on cancerous tumors, immunotherapy treats patients by acting on their immune system. Immunotherapy can boost the immune response in the body as well as teach the immune system how to identify and destroy cancer cells.

Why does immunotherapy stop after 2 years?

Some patients can develop chronic adverse effects (AEs) from immunotherapy, such as fatigue and arthralgias, says Lopes. Financial toxicities can also impact the decision to stop immunotherapy, explains Lopes. Long-term treatment with immunotherapy may not be financially sustainable for patients.

Can you have immunotherapy for more than 2 years?

Like most lung cancer treatments, immunotherapy is only given for a set period of time. Immunotherapy is given for a maximum of two years. After then, it will be stopped.

What happens when immunotherapy stops?

Even if immunotherapy no longer works, you have options. You might be able to try other cancer treatments. Or your doctors can give you medicines and other therapies to ease your symptoms so you feel better. Take this time to spend with family and friends, and do the things you love.