NHS Rolls Out A 5-Minute Immunotherapy Jab for Cancer Patients

In a groundbreaking move for cancer treatment, England has become the first country in Europe to approve a fast-acting, injectable form of immunotherapy for patients with solid tumours. The National Health Service (NHS) has begun rolling out a five-minute “super jab” version of the immunotherapy drug nivolumab (brand name Opdivo), which could transform the way cancer is treated, offering patients a quicker, more convenient alternative to traditional intravenous (IV) therapies.

A Faster, More Convenient Treatment Option

The newly approved subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection of nivolumab drastically reduces treatment time—from an hour-long IV infusion to just five minutes. This innovation is expected to significantly ease the burden on cancer patients, many of whom previously had to spend hours in hospitals for infusions.

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved the jab based on clinical trials showing it is just as effective as the IV version. The treatment will be available for 15 different types of cancer, including lung, kidney, bladder, and melanoma.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Cancer, hailed the development as a “game-changer,” stating: “This approval represents a major step forward in cancer care, cutting treatment times dramatically while maintaining the same effectiveness. It means less time in hospital for patients and more efficient use of NHS resources.”

How Immunotherapy Works

Immunotherapy, unlike chemotherapy, works by empowering the body’s immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. Nivolumab, a type of checkpoint inhibitor, blocks the PD-1 protein on immune cells, preventing cancer from evading detection. This approach has already shown remarkable success in extending survival rates for patients with advanced cancers.

The subcutaneous version of nivolumab uses a technology called Halozyme’s ENHANZE®, which allows the drug to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. Trials demonstrated that the injection delivers the same levels of the drug in the blood as the IV form, with comparable safety and efficacy.

Benefits for Patients and Healthcare Systems

The shift from IV to injection has multiple advantages:

1. Reduced Hospital Time – Patients can receive treatment in minutes rather than hours, freeing up infusion chairs and reducing waiting times.
2. Greater Convenience – Some patients may eventually be able to receive the jab at local clinics or even at home, reducing travel burdens.
3. Lower Costs – Shorter treatment times mean less staffing and resource strain on hospitals.
4. Improved Patient Experience – Many cancer patients find injections less intimidating than IV infusions, particularly those with needle anxiety.

A Global Leader in Cancer Innovation

The UK’s swift approval of this treatment puts it ahead of other European nations in adopting cutting-edge cancer therapies. The NHS has been at the forefront of immunotherapy access, having previously rolled out other checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for various cancers.

Health leaders hope this new jab will help address backlogs in cancer care, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With cancer waiting times at record highs, faster treatments could allow more patients to be seen without delays.

Cancer charities and patient advocacy groups have welcomed the news. Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “It’s fantastic to see innovations that make treatment easier for patients. Reducing the time people spend in hospital can make a huge difference to their quality of life during an already challenging time.”

One patient, James Wilson, 58, who has been receiving IV nivolumab for advanced kidney cancer, shared his excitement: “Spending hours hooked up to a drip is exhausting. The idea of a quick jab instead would be life-changing—more time with family, less disruption to daily life.”

What’s Next?

The NHS plans to roll out the injection progressively across England, with oncologists identifying eligible patients. While the jab is currently approved for use in hospitals, there is potential for expansion to community clinics in the future.

Researchers are also exploring whether other immunotherapy drugs could be adapted into subcutaneous forms, potentially revolutionizing cancer care further.

The introduction of the five-minute nivolumab jab marks a significant milestone in cancer treatment, offering hope and convenience to thousands of patients. As the NHS continues to pioneer innovative therapies, this development underscores the importance of investing in medical advancements that improve both survival rates and patient experiences.

For now, England leads the way—but it may only be a matter of time before this breakthrough becomes a global standard in the fight against cancer.