What is PD-L1, and what does it mean for your lung cancer treatment? Host James Hiter, who is living with lung cancer, talks with fellow LCFA Speakers Bureau member and longtime survivor Jane Perlmutter about the PD-L1 biomarker. What it is, how it fits into complete biomarker testing, and why your score is a guide, not a guarantee.

Jane shares how she responded to immunotherapy with a PD-L1 score of just 20%, why it is worth waiting for full test results before starting treatment, and the must-ask questions every newly diagnosed patient should bring to their care team.

In this episode:

What PD-L1 is, explained in plain language How PD-L1 fits alongside other biomarkers like EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 What next-generation sequencing (NGS) is and why complete testing matters What your PD-L1 score can and cannot tell you How to speak up with your doctor, bring an advocate, and seek a second opinion

Learn more about PD-L1: https://lcfamerica.org/about-lung-cancer/diagnosis/understand-pd-l1/

Guests: James Hiter (Host) – Patient Advocate, LCFA Speakers Bureau; founder of Streak For a Cure Jane Perlmutter – Lung cancer survivor, patient advocate, LCFA Speakers Bureau member

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Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/AMA-Fall-PD-L1-Biomarker-Show-Notes.pdf

Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/AMA-Fall-PD-L1-Biomarker-Transcript.pdf

Watch Video - https://youtu.be/uEaRpiLKUkA

Content shared in this episode reflects personal experiences and should not substitute for professional medical guidance. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.