The NHS has announced a major step forward in cancer treatment that is set to benefit thousands of patients across England. A new injectable form of immunotherapy, known as nivolumab, is being rolled out that allows patients to receive their cancer treatment in as little as three to five minutes.
This quick injection replaces the traditional intravenous method, which can take between thirty and sixty minutes per session. With this new approach, eligible patients can have their treatment administered under the skin during a standard appointment, helping them return to their daily routines much more quickly.
For people living with cancer, the emotional and physical toll of long treatment sessions can be significant. This new injection dramatically reduces the time spent in hospital, offering a more convenient and less disruptive treatment experience. Instead of spending a large part of their day in a treatment chair, patients will now be able to receive care in just a few minutes.
On a broader scale, the impact on the NHS is equally important. Estimates suggest that the new jab will save over one thousand hours of treatment time every month. That adds up to the equivalent of more than one full year of treatment time annually. This means more capacity for other patients, shorter wait times, and reduced pressure on staff in hospitals and clinics.
The injection is approved to treat more than fifteen different types of cancer, including those affecting the skin, bladder, oesophagus, and kidneys. In clinical trials, patients overwhelmingly preferred the injection to the intravenous version. It was faster, more comfortable, and better suited to their lives.
Around forty percent of current patients receiving intravenous nivolumab will be eligible to switch to the injection. Most new patients are expected to start with the injectable version from the beginning of their treatment.
Another standout aspect of this development is its cost effectiveness. Thanks to an agreement between NHS England and the drug’s manufacturer, Bristol Myers Squibb, this quicker treatment will be made available at no additional cost to the NHS. It is a powerful example of how smart planning and negotiation can lead to better outcomes for both patients and the health system.
This rollout is part of a wider movement within the NHS to modernise treatment and make care more efficient and accessible. Similar approaches have already been introduced for breast cancer, blood disorders, and multiple sclerosis, where faster treatments have improved patient experience and freed up resources.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton described the innovation as a shining example of British medical progress, offering real improvements for people facing cancer. With initiatives like this, the NHS continues to lead in delivering smarter care that puts patients first.
The new jab is not just about saving time. It is about improving quality of life, reducing stress during a difficult time, and ensuring that the health service remains responsive and resilient in the face of rising demand. It is a meaningful step towards a more efficient, compassionate, and forward looking approach to cancer care.
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