Because increased levels of CD8 + T cells and PD-1 expression by CD8 + T cells within the tumor microenvironment of NSCLCs have shown improved clinical outcomes with PD-1 blockade8, integration of TMB and PD-L1 expression with tumor-associated immune cells may refine treatment selection for patients with locally-advanced NSCLC. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.