Therefore, they were included in the multivariate analyses which revealed that dNLR (HR = 2.946, 95% CI = 1.615 − 5.373; P < 0.001) and ALB level (HR = 0.514, 95% CI = 0.279 − 0.947; P = 0.033) were the independent prognostic indicators of PFS in stage IV NSCLC patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors. The gene discussed is PDCD1; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.