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Is immunotherapy effective for my wife’s PD-L1 lung cancer?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My wife has lung cancer, PD-L1. I need your advice regarding the continuation of this therapy. Docetaxel and Nintedanib are suggested. I think it is too heavy. I would prefer immunotherapy for her PD-L1 lung cancer if possible.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Kumar Varadarajan Senthil

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I would suggest going with the Abraxane or Avastin plus Nivolumab combination for the following reasons:

  1. Using immunotherapy now, as you do not want to miss the window of opportunity.
  2. Being targeted agents, side effects are not going to be a major issue compared to conventional chemotherapy drugs.
  3. In my personal experience, Docetaxel in the second-line setting is too much for patients, and quality of life takes a bit of a hit.
  4. Targeting VEGF and PD1, plus Abraxane, gives the best possible chance for an optimal outcome.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to reach out in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Kumar Varadarajan Senthil

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At June 10, 2018
Reviewed AtApril 2, 2026

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Immunotherapy vs Chemo Companion

How it works

When a lung tumor has a specific protein marker, it changes which treatment is likely to work best. This tab walks you through what the marker means, how the two main treatment paths work differently, and what to watch for along the way.

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What The
Marker Means

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How Each
Approach Works

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Why A
Combo May Help

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Side
Effects

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Tracking
Response

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When To
Call The Team

Why the PD-L1 result changes the picture

Your loved one's tumor has a protein marker called PD-L1 on its surface. This is the exact signal that immune-based treatments are designed to target. Having this marker means the oncologist has a biological reason to consider immune therapy as part of the plan. It improves the odds, though it does not guarantee a specific outcome.
Dr. Kumar Varadarajan Senthil
Dr. Kumar Varadarajan Senthil

Radiation Oncology

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