PDCD1 and cancer: However, these immune checkpoints are upregulated in many cancers, resulting in cancer-associated immune suppression and immune evasion.[7] PD-1 binds to PD-L1 and decreases effector cytokine production and cytolytic activity, preventing the elimination of cancer.[8] This discovery prompted the development of different monoclonal antibodies targeting either PD-1 or PD-L1 as new treatments for advanced NSCLC.