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 two 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. The drugs 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 the cancer.

• Immunotherapy treatments approved by the FDA for small cell lung cancer
• Immunotherapy treatments approved by the FDA for stage I
• Immunotherapy treatments approved by the FDA for stage II
• Immunotherapy treatments approved by the FDA for stage III
• Immunotherapy treatments approved by the FDA for stage IV

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