In NSCLC, the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor, nivolumab showed long-term benefit in a significant proportion of pretreated patients with a 2-years overall survival (OS) of 23% and 29% in squamous and non-squamous histology, respectively, over-performing standard chemotherapy (1, 2). Here, PDCD1 is linked to non-small cell lung carcinoma.