NHS cancer jab could mean patients spend hours less in hospital

A new injectable form of the cancer drug Keytruda is set to significantly reduce the time NHS patients spend receiving treatment in hospitals across the UK. Previously administered via intravenous infusion over an hour or more, the immunotherapy drug can now be delivered as a quick injection lasting just one to two minutes. This development is expected to save valuable time for thousands of patients and healthcare staff, improving the overall treatment experience. Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is used to treat 14 different types of cancer, including lung, head and neck, cervical, and breast cancers. Approximately 14,000 patients in England begin treatment with Keytruda annually, with most likely to transition to the new injectable form. The treatment schedule varies depending on the cancer diagnosis, with injections given every three or six weeks. This advancement follows the introduction of a similar injectable immunotherapy drug, Opdivo (nivolumab), in some NHS hospitals last year. Immunotherapy works by enabling the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, which often evade detection by sending "stop signals" to immune cells. This approach was recognized with the 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to scientists James Allison and Tasuku Honjo. Keytruda was among the first immunotherapy drugs approved for cancer treatment, initially for skin cancer and later for other types. The injectable form eliminates the need for hospital pharmacy teams to prepare sterile infusion bags, streamlining the treatment process. NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, highlighted the benefits of the new injection, emphasizing that reducing hospital time can alleviate the physical and emotional toll of frequent hospital visits. Early recipients, such as 86-year-old Shirley Xerxes from Hertfordshire, have reported that the quicker treatment has allowed them more time to enjoy daily activities and improved their quality of life. This innovation represents a significant step forward in cancer care delivery within the NHS.