two-cycle induction chemotherapy + immunotherapy

Two-cycle induction chemotherapy + immunotherapy refers to a treatment regimen in which patients receive two cycles of standard cytotoxic chemotherapy combined with an immunotherapeutic agent, typically an immune checkpoint inhibitor, as the initial (induction) phase of cancer therapy. This approach is being investigated and used primarily in certain solid tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The rationale is that combining chemotherapy—which can directly kill tumor cells and modulate the tumor microenvironment—with immunotherapy—which stimulates or restores anti-tumor immune responses—may enhance overall efficacy compared to either modality alone[2][3][4][5][7]. Two cycles are often chosen based on evidence suggesting similar or better response rates with fewer adverse effects compared to longer regimens[2][4]. Commonly used chemotherapies include platinum-based doublets, while typical immunotherapies are PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors such as toripalimab or camrelizumab[2][4]. This combination aims to maximize tumor shrinkage before subsequent definitive therapies (e.g., chemoradiation), improve survival outcomes, and reduce toxicity.

Other names

two-cycle induction chemoimmunotherapytwo-cycle induction chemoimmunotherapy regimen