PDL1 (SP263), IHC

This test measures the levels of the PD-L1 protein in certain types of cancer cells. The PD-L1 protein helps cancer cells evade the immune system, and measuring its levels can help determine the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatment.

• Assessing the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatment
• Determining whether a patient will benefit from immunotherapy
• Identifying patients with certain types of cancer who may respond well to immunotherapy

This test may be recommended if you:

• Have certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer or melanoma
• Are undergoing or planning to undergo immunotherapy treatment
• Want to know if you are likely to respond well to immunotherapy

The test provides a score based on the percentage of cells expressing PD-L1 protein. Higher scores indicate higher levels of PD-L1 expression. Abnormal results may indicate a higher likelihood of responding to immunotherapy treatment, but further discussion with your doctor is needed to interpret the results properly.

• A small tissue sample will be taken from your tumour
• The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing
• The laboratory uses a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC) to measure the levels of PD-L1 protein
• The results are reported as a score indicating the percentage of cells expressing PD-L1 protein.

• No specific preparations are required before this test
• You may be asked to provide your original histopathology report and relevant clinical and radiological details
• Follow any instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare provider

Other tests that may be ordered alongside the PDL1 (SP263) test include:

• Genetic testing to identify specific genetic mutations in cancer cells.
• Complete blood count (CBC) to assess overall health and monitor blood cell levels.
• Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs to evaluate the extent of cancer.

PD-L1 immunohistochemistry test.

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps boost the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. It works by targeting specific proteins or pathways involved in suppressing the immune response, such as PD-L1, allowing the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively.