IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR
STAGE 4 CANCER
Immunotherapy works when the tumour biology supports an immune response. PD-L1, MSI, and TMB testing determines whether that biology is present. Without those results, the immunotherapy conversation is speculation.
Approved Checkpoint Inhibitors in Stage 4 Cancer
The approved checkpoint inhibitors most relevant to stage 4 cancer patients and which cancer types and biomarkers determine eligibility.
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
The most widely approved checkpoint inhibitor. Melanoma, NSCLC, MSI-H/dMMR tumours of any cancer type, TMB-high tumours, cervical, endometrial, oesophageal, bladder, and others. Tumour-agnostic MSI-H and TMB-high indications are particularly significant -- any qualifying cancer type receives this approval.
Nivolumab (Opdivo)
Melanoma, NSCLC, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, MSI-H colorectal cancer, oesophageal and gastric cancer. Frequently used in combination with ipilimumab for higher response rates.
Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab
Dual checkpoint blockade combining PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibition. Higher response rates than either agent alone in melanoma, NSCLC, kidney cancer, and MSI-H colorectal cancer. Corresponding increase in immune-related side effects -- requires close monitoring.
Chemotherapy plus Immunotherapy Combinations
Pembrolizumab or atezolizumab plus chemotherapy approved for NSCLC, gastric cancer, and TNBC. Adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy improves outcomes in specific PD-L1-positive and unselected populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How CancerFax Helps
CancerFax is a specialist cancer access and patient-navigation platform. We help patients and families understand their options, organise medical records, coordinate hospital communication, and support cross-border treatment planning where appropriate.
We help collect and organise reports, scans, pathology, biomarker results, and treatment history for structured case review.
We communicate with hospitals or trial teams to assess whether a case may be suitable for further screening.
We support appointment coordination, document submission, translation, and direct communication with international departments.
For international patients, we help with practical coordination — travel planning, hospital admission guidance, and local support.
If this option is not suitable, we help explore other relevant treatments, clinical trials, or advanced care pathways.
From inquiry through to follow-up, our coordinators provide a single point of contact for the family.
CancerFax does not guarantee treatment access, eligibility, or clinical outcome. Our role is to help patients access accurate information, structured review, and appropriate specialist pathways.
Questions About Immunotherapy Eligibility for Your Cancer?
CancerFax reviews your PD-L1, MSI, and TMB results to assess immunotherapy eligibility across all relevant biomarker pathways for your specific cancer type.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified oncologist before making treatment decisions.