PD-L1 (22C3) Dako CPS IHC Test – Accurate Immunohistochemistry for Cancer Diagnosis

PD-L1 (22C3) Dako CPS (IHC) Test – Precision Biomarker Testing for Immunotherapy Guidance

The PD-L1 (22C3) Dako CPS (Combined Positive Score) Test from Lab Tests Dubai is a clinically validated immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay that measures programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor tissue—helping oncologists determine whether a patient is likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda®), nivolumab, or atezolizumab.

Using the FDA-approved 22C3 monoclonal antibody on the Dako Autostainer platform, this test evaluates PD-L1 levels not only on tumor cells but also on tumor-infiltrating immune cells, calculating a Combined Positive Score (CPS) a key biomarker used to:

• ✅ Guide first-line immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• ✅ Determine eligibility for gastric, gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), and cervical cancers
• ✅ Assess treatment options in urothelial (bladder) carcinoma

This test is essential for:

• Identifying patients who may benefit from immunotherapy instead of chemotherapy
• Avoiding ineffective treatments and their toxic side effects
• Enabling access to targeted, FDA-approved therapies
• Supporting personalized, evidence-based cancer care

With results in just 5 days, Lab Tests Dubai empowers pathologists and oncologists to make timely, life-altering treatment decisions so patients can start precision immunotherapy faster.

Available through partner oncology and histopathology labs, this service ensures standardized, reproducible, and clinically actionable results aligning with global standards used in major clinical trials.

Why You Need This Test

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung, stomach, cervical, or bladder cancer, this test could reveal whether immunotherapy a revolutionary form of treatment is right for you.

You need the PD-L1 (22C3) CPS Test if:

• You’ve been diagnosed with advanced or metastatic NSCLC
• You have gastric, GEJ, or cervical cancer under evaluation for systemic therapy
• Your doctor is considering pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or similar drugs
• You want to avoid chemotherapy if a better option exists
• You’re exploring first-line or second-line immunotherapy options

This test helps:

• Predict likelihood of response to immunotherapy
• Qualify for FDA/EMA-approved regimens based on CPS thresholds
• Improve progression-free and overall survival
• Reduce exposure to unnecessary chemo toxicity

Who Should Consider This Test?

The PD-L1 (22C3) CPS Test is recommended for:

• Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Especially adenocarcinoma or squamous cell types.

• Those with Gastric, GEJ, or Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Where CPS ≥1 supports pembrolizumab use.

• Individuals with Recurrent/Metastatic Cervical Cancer

CPS ≥1 indicates eligibility for immunotherapy.

• Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma (Bladder Cancer)

For advanced disease when platinum therapy fails.

• Oncologists & Pathologists

Managing solid tumors where immunotherapy is indicated.

This test is now part of routine biomarker testing guidelines (NCCN, ESMO) and required before initiating many immunotherapies.

Interpretation by Cancer Type

What Happens If You Skip PD-L1 Testing?

Without PD-L1 assessment, patients may:

• Receive ineffective chemotherapy when immunotherapy would work better
• Miss out on life-extending immunotherapy due to lack of biomarker data
• Experience delayed treatment initiation or suboptimal regimens
• Be denied access to clinical trials requiring PD-L1 status
• Suffer reduced quality of life from avoidable side effects

The good news? Immunotherapy can lead to durable remissions:

• In NSCLC: Pembrolizumab improves survival vs chemo
• In gastric cancer: Combination therapy extends survival
• Some patients become long-term survivors with minimal ongoing treatment

How to Prepare for the Test

To ensure accurate results:

• No fasting or special prep required
• Provide clinical history: diagnosis, stage, prior treatments
• Your oncologist will coordinate sample submission from pathology lab

The lab performs IHC staining using the 22C3 antibody on Dako platforms, followed by microscopic scoring by trained pathologists.

Test Overview

Benefits of the PD-L1 (22C3) CPS Test

• Guides Life-Saving Immunotherapy

Identify candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitors.

• High Accuracy & Standardization

FDA-approved assay with global validation.

• Fast Turnaround for Urgent Decisions

Critical in advanced disease.

• Reduces Unnecessary Chemotherapy

Only treat with immunotherapy when biomarker-positive.

• Supports Clinical Trial Enrollment

Open doors to novel immuno-oncology studies.

If you or a loved one is facing lung, gastric, cervical, or bladder cancer, the PD-L1 (22C3) Dako CPS Test gives you the answers you need in 5 days.