New cancer injection in the UK reduces treatment time to minutes

In the world of cancer treatment, the NHS in England has introduced a new cancer injection called nivolumab, which promises to transform how patients receive immunotherapy. This jab, a form of immunotherapy, helps the body’s immune system fight cancer cells more effectively. Unlike the previous IV drip method that took up to 60 minutes per session, this new injection can be administered under the skin in just 3 to 5 minutes.

For patients, this means saving hours each year and spending more time with family or at work. NHS teams also benefit from saving nearly 1,000 hours a month, allowing them to help more patients and manage appointments better. This new injection is approved for 15 types of cancer and is expected to benefit around 1,200 people in England each month.

Clinical trials have shown high levels of patient satisfaction with the new injection, which is just as effective as the IV version. Importantly, the faster treatment does not come at an additional cost, as the NHS negotiated directly with the manufacturer to ensure no extra financial strain.