Can Tecentriq help my mother with 1 % PD-L1 lung cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mother has been diagnosed with lung cancer, and they have tested for various markers (eGFR, PD-L1, TTF, and so on). Her PD-L1 is 1 %, and our understanding is that FDA-approved Tecentriq is only approved for situations of PD-L1 greater than 50.

The tumor is about 3 by 5. Can you provide any guidance on how or why Tecentriq is seen as useful for low PD-L1 lung cancer?

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As the PD-L1 (programme death ligand-1) is one percent, Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) for low PD-L1 lung cancer would not help much. Tecentriq works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

If PD-L1 is one percent, then the chances are low. Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) is an immunotherapy drug. They slow down or stop cell growth. Immunotherapy is more effective and costlier than radiation and chemotherapy.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Life expectancy can increase for a few months or years, but it cannot be predicted precisely. Pemetrexed (Almita) and Carboplatin (Paraplatin) are used for first-line chemotherapy and can increase life expectancy.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 4

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Chemotherapy can contribute to side effects like tiredness, hair loss, and others. Stage one shows a better to good prognosis. But you cannot see much improvement. But they are manageable with supportive drugs.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.

Thank you.