Evaluation of Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Gene Amplification and Response to Nivolumab Monotherapy in Non–small Cell Lung Cancer

Key Points Question Is the copy number status of the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) gene in non–small cell lung cancer associated with response to nivolumab monotherapy? Findings In this cohort study of 194 patients with non–small cell lung cancer who were treated with nivolumab monotherapy, the proportion of patients with PD-L1 amplification who achieved response was 80.0% vs 18.5% among those with PD-L1 polysomy and 17.9% among those with PD-L1 disomy. Responses among patients with PD-L1 amplification were long lasting, leading to excellent progression-free and overall survival outcomes. Meaning The findings of this study suggest that PD-L1 amplification in non–small cell lung cancer is associated with durable benefit from nivolumab treatment.