In a pioneering move, England is set to introduce the world's first seven-minute cancer treatment injection, marking a significant milestone in healthcare. The National Health Service (NHS) of Britain will lead the charge as it becomes the first health body globally to offer this revolutionary medical breakthrough, slashing treatment times by up to three-quarters.
The groundbreaking development was announced by NHS England on Tuesday, unveiling plans to administer ""under the skin"" injections of atezolizumab to hundreds of patients who have previously received immunotherapy. This transformative treatment approach has received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), a critical milestone in its journey to widespread adoption.
Currently, patients undergoing life-extending immunotherapy with atezolizumab, also known as Tencentriq, receive it through intravenous infusion in hospitals. This process typically consumes around 30 minutes, and in some cases, it can stretch to an hour. However, the introduction of the new method will allow the drug to be administered beneath the skin, drastically reducing treatment time.
Atezolizumab, a type of targeted therapy drug classified as an immune checkpoint inhibitor, is used both independently and in combination with other chemotherapy medications. It is primarily employed in the treatment of various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Melanoma, Urothelial Carcinoma, and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. This monoclonal antibody plays a crucial role in empowering the patient's immune system to identify and eliminate cancerous cells. Genentech, a subsidiary of Roche, manufactures this groundbreaking drug.
The transition to the more efficient under-the-skin injection method is expected to impact a significant portion of the approximately 3,600 patients who begin atezolizumab treatment in the UK each year. For patients receiving intravenous chemotherapy in conjunction with atezolizumab, the option of remaining on transfusion will also be available.
Dr. Alexander Martin, a consultant oncologist at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, expressed his excitement over this approval. He highlighted that the shift to under-the-skin injections would not only provide more convenient and faster care for patients but also enable healthcare teams to accommodate more patients throughout the day. This development promises a brighter future for cancer patients in England.
The implementation of the new injection method is expected to take place within weeks. Eligible patients undergoing atezolizumab treatment will soon benefit from the quicker and more comfortable subcutaneous injection method, transforming their cancer care experience.

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