Your PD-L1 Score: What It Is and How It Determines Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Summary: Imagine your immune system is a security guard, and cancer cells are trying to sneak past. Some cancer cells wear an "invisibility cloak" made of a protein called PD-L1.

Doctors can test your tumor to find your "PD-L1 score." If your score is high, it means the cancer is relying heavily on this cloak to hide. The good news? Doctors have special medicines called immunotherapy that strip the cloak away, letting your immune system find and attack the cancer.

If your score is lower, you might need a mix of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Your doctor will look at this score, your overall health, and your personal goals to pick the best treatment for head and neck cancer.

For more details, see Everyday Health at everydayhealth.com/cancer/what-is-pd-l1-and-why-does-it-matter/ (opens in new tab)