Three versus six weeks of corticosteroids for mild immune-related pneumonitis: a randomized trial.
Am J Respir Crit Care MedOct 1, 2026
Daichi Fujimoto, Mitsuhiro Abe, Kenta Murotani et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of a 3-week versus a 6-week corticosteroid taper in patients with mild immune-related pneumonitis. Among 106 patients, treatment success rates were 66.7% for the 3-week group and 85.2% for the 6-week group, demonstrating that the shorter regimen was not noninferior (difference = -18.5 percentage points; P = .621).
Key findings
- Treatment success rates were 66.7% for the 3-week group and 85.2% for the 6-week group.
- The 3-week regimen did not demonstrate noninferiority (difference = -18.5 percentage points; P = .621).
- Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 12% of the 3-week group and 24% of the 6-week group.
- Overall survival was comparable between groups (hazard ratio = 1.03; P = .95).
Why it matters
Determining the optimal duration of corticosteroid therapy for immune-related pneumonitis is crucial for improving patient outcomes and minimizing unnecessary treatment exposure. This study supports a 6-week regimen as the standard of care.