England Becomes First in Europe to Offer Cancer Patients a Fast-Track Immunotherapy Injection

Up to 15,000 Cancer Patients Annually to Benefit from Nivolumab Jab for 15 Types of Cancer

Cancer patients in England are now the first in Europe to benefit from a new, faster method of immunotherapy treatment. NHS England has announced that up to 15,000 patients each year could receive nivolumab (Opdivo) in injectable form, offering a quicker and more convenient alternative to traditional intravenous (IV) infusions.

What Is Nivolumab and How Does It Work?

Nivolumab is a groundbreaking immunotherapy drug that helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells. It works by blocking the PD-1 protein on T-cells, allowing the body’s immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells more effectively.

This treatment is suitable for 15 different types of cancer, including:

• Lung cancer

• Bowel (colorectal) cancer

• Kidney cancer

• Bladder cancer

• Esophageal cancer

• Skin cancer (including melanoma)

• Head and neck cancers

Faster, Easier Treatment for Cancer Patients

The injectable version of nivolumab takes only 3 to 5 minutes to administer, compared to the up to one hour needed for IV infusions. With most patients receiving treatment every two to four weeks, this new method is expected to save over a year of treatment time annually across the NHS.

According to Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, the shift to injectable immunotherapy will not only improve patient convenience but also free up hospital capacity and allow more patients to be treated.

Approved and Cost-Effective

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the injectable form of nivolumab. NHS England confirmed that the cost of the jab will remain the same as the IV version, following a price agreement with manufacturer Bristol Myers Squibb.

A Step Forward in Cancer Innovation

Naser Turabi, Director of Evidence and Implementation at Cancer Research UK, emphasized the importance of innovations like injectable immunotherapy in delivering faster, more efficient care. “We’re in a golden age of cancer research,” he said. “It’s vital our healthcare system evolves to keep up with these advancements.”

The NHS plans to offer this injectable form to around 1,200 patients per month, with most new patients likely to receive this updated treatment method.

A Bright Future for Cancer Care in England

This major step marks another milestone in making cutting-edge cancer treatments more accessible across the UK. With continued investment, the upcoming national cancer plan for England is expected to further strengthen cancer care services, enabling quicker access to lifesaving therapies.