Cancer Breakthrough In Britain: Patients Discharged Within Minutes Of Injection

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 17:12 IST

This saves patients hours annually, time they can spend with family, at work, or relaxing, while also offering major psychological relief from spending less time in hospitals

The introduction of the injection method means patients can now receive their medication quickly and be discharged on the same day. (Representative/Shutterstock)

With scientific advancements, cancer treatment has made significant progress. Several modern therapies are now available, making it possible to treat even advanced stages of the disease. While a complete cure for cancer is still elusive, many cases can now be effectively managed. One such advanced treatment is immunotherapy, which is typically administered through a drip that takes one to two hours.

In a major breakthrough for cancer care, the UK Health Service (NHS) has introduced a faster, more efficient way to deliver immunotherapy. Patients receiving the drug Nivolumab, used in the treatment of various cancers, can now get it via a quick injection that takes just 1 to 5 minutes. Until now, the same treatment required an hour-long IV drip, marking this shift as a significant step toward improving comfort and reducing time spent in hospitals.

According to a Times of India report, Nivolumab is a type of immunotherapy that enhances the body’s immune response against cancer cells. While the drug itself is not new, the method of delivery represents a significant improvement. This change is expected to have profound effects on cancer treatment, offering substantial benefits not only medically but also emotionally and practically for thousands of patients.

Traditionally, immunotherapy required hospital visits where patients would spend considerable time receiving their drip-based treatment. The introduction of the injection method means patients can now receive their medication quickly and be discharged on the same day.

This improvement can save patients dozens of hours annually, time that can be spent with family, at work, or relaxing at home. The psychological benefits of less time in hospital and more time in life are considerable.

The new injection system also provides substantial advantages for the NHS, potentially saving around 1,000 hours each month, which can be reallocated to care for more patients, better manage appointments, and reduce waiting times. For many, this injection represents not just a medical advancement but a means to maintain a better routine and lead a less burdensome life.

According to the Times of India report, the new injectable form of the immunotherapy drug Nivolumab has been approved for use in treating 15 different types of cancer, including skin, bladder, and oesophageal cancers. This quicker treatment method is expected to benefit nearly 1,200 patients in England every month, covering both new patients and those already on IV-based Nivolumab.

Roughly 40% of existing IV recipients could shift to this injection-based option, which takes just 1 to 5 minutes to administer—compared to the hour-long IV sessions. Though not suitable for every patient, for those who qualify, the shorter and simpler process is a significant relief, medically and emotionally.

Clinical trials have shown the injection to be equally effective as the IV form, with most patients reporting higher comfort and convenience. In fact, many preferred the injection over traditional drips, citing both time saved and less physical strain.

Notably, this advancement comes at no additional cost. The NHS has successfully negotiated pricing with the drug manufacturer to ensure that the faster treatment does not put extra pressure on healthcare budgets. This aligns with the NHS’s broader push toward more efficient, patient-friendly medical solutions that also make better use of limited resources.

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