In a major breakthrough for cancer treatment, England has become the first country in Europe to introduce an injectable version of the immunotherapy drug nivolumab—widely known by its brand name, Opdivo. This new method offers hope to thousands of cancer patients, cutting down treatment time dramatically while maintaining the drug’s effectiveness.
Previously administered through a one-hour intravenous (IV) drip, the new injectable form of nivolumab can now be delivered in just three to five minutes. This innovation will significantly reduce the time patients spend in hospitals and clinics, helping to ease pressure on NHS cancer services.
The treatment has already been approved by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and is now available for patients battling up to 15 types of cancer, including lung, bowel, and skin cancer. It’s estimated that this fast-tracked method could benefit around 15,000 patients each year, saving over a year’s worth of treatment time annually across the NHS.
Nivolumab is a form of immunotherapy that works by activating the body’s immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The new injectable format makes the process more convenient and accessible, especially for patients who struggle with lengthy hospital visits.
Experts have hailed this move as a historic milestone in modernising cancer care in the UK, calling it a step into a “golden age” of cancer treatment. It also places fresh urgency on the government to support long-term innovation and reform through its upcoming national cancer plan.
This development not only enhances patient experience but also sets a precedent for the future of oncology treatment globally.
