Thousands of cancer patients in England to benefit from new immunotherapy jab
Summary
A new, quicker immunotherapy injection called pembrolizumab will be given to thousands of cancer patients in England. This treatment takes just one to two minutes and will replace a longer drip method, saving time for patients and health workers.Key Facts
- Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy drug that helps the immune system attack cancer cells by blocking a protein called PD-1.
- The new form of pembrolizumab is a quick injection, taking 1-2 minutes, unlike the previous version which required a drip and about two hours.
- Around 14,000 patients currently using pembrolizumab are expected to receive the new injection.
- This change could save the NHS more than 100,000 hours in treatment and preparation time each year.
- Another immunotherapy drug, nivolumab, is also available on the NHS and takes 3-5 minutes to give.
- Together, these two immunotherapies are now available for nearly 30 types of cancer in England.
- Early patients praise the treatment for saving their time and allowing them to do more daily activities.
- The faster treatment will free up hospital appointments and reduce waiting times for patients.
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