Safety and Efficacy of Nivolumab in Patients With Advanced Non–small-cell Lung Cancer Treated Beyond Progression

The possibility of delayed immune-related responses implies that patients who experience progressive disease may benefit from treatment with immunotherapy beyond progression (TBP). Here we demonstrated that a substantial proportion of patients with non–small-cell lung cancer treated with nivolumab, who were clinically stable and judged to be eligible for TBP derive a significant survival benefit from TBP. TBP is feasible and safe, and reduction or stabilization of target lesions may occur when patients with non–small-cell lung cancer continue nivolumab after initial progression. Discontinuation of nivolumab based only on radiologic progression might be premature.