INTRODUCTION
NSCLC, death, non‐squamous cell lung cancer, (PD‐1)/programmed cell death, Non‐small cell lung cancer, PD‐L1
LUNG CANCERS, NSCLC
Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been one of the most common causes of cancer‐related death.NSCLC accounts for 80%–90% of all lung cancers, and non‐squamous cell lung cancer accounts for 70%–80% of all NSCLC cases.Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).Recently, immune checkpoint‐inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) have been shown to improve survival in advanced NSCLC.Thus, a randomized, Phase II study comparing maintenance therapies of pemetrexed plus bevacizumab versus pemetrexed alone after treatment with cisplatin, pemetrexed, and bevacizumab was conducted. The main objectives of the study were to determine the efficacy of the addition of bevacizumab in maintenance therapy for previously untreated advanced non‐squamous NSCLC. This randomized, Phase II study was reported in accordance with the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) Statement. In addition, this study was conceived and initiated before the widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as part of first‐line treatment. The numbers of immunocompetent cells in peripheral blood were analyzed in some patients.