PD-L1 and EMT markers were expressed at significantly higher proportions in CTCs compared to patient matched tissue. ≥3 PD-L1pos/EMTpos CTCs were associated with significantly poorer survival after curative surgical treatment. Expression of PD-L1 and EMT CTCs was a negative survival predictor for NSCLC. This evidence concerns the gene CD274 and non-small cell lung carcinoma.