PD-1/PDL-1 Checkpoint

Cancer sometimes makes a protein called PD-L1. This protein can bind (attach) to a protein called PD-1 that is found on a normal immune cell. When these 2 proteins bind, it turns on a checkpoint. This slows the immune system and allows the cancer to continue to grow.

Some drugs target either the PD-1 or PD-L1 protein and keep them from binding. This “takes the brakes off” the immune system by turning off the checkpoint. Your immune system stays active and keeps working to fight cancer.

• Immunotherapy treatments approved by the FDA for small cell lung cancer
• Immunotherapy treatments approved by the FDA for stage 1 (I) NSCLC
• Immunotherapy treatments approved by the FDA for stage 2 (II) NSCLC
• Immunotherapy treatments approved by the FDA for stage 3 (III) NSCLC
• Immunotherapy treatments approved by the FDA for stage 4 IV (NSCLC)

Here are the most frequently asked questions we receive about immunotherapy treatment.