The NHS is rolling out a groundbreaking one-minute immunotherapy injection that could revolutionise cancer treatment for thousands of patients. This new injectable form of pembrolizumab, known as Keytruda, is being introduced for over a dozen types of cancer, including lung, breast, and cervical cancer.
Dramatic Reduction in Treatment Time
Compared to the previous intravenous drip method, which could take up to an hour, the new injection reduces treatment time by up to 90 per cent. Approximately 14,000 patients in England who start pembrolizumab therapy each year are expected to transition to the quicker jab.
Benefits for Patients and the NHS
The innovation aims to free up significant NHS staff time, allowing more patients to be treated and potentially reducing waiting times. Patients have already praised the convenience and speed of the new treatment. For instance, 89-year-old Shirley Xerxes, who has bowel cancer, has benefited from the new injection, calling it a remarkable improvement.
This development marks a significant step forward in cancer care, offering a faster, more efficient treatment option that could improve the quality of life for many patients while easing pressure on the healthcare system.
