Up to 200 patients each year at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) could benefit from a new, rapid immunotherapy injection that can be given in as little as 60 seconds.
The NHS is rolling out an injectable form of pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy treatment that has been used safely and effectively for several years as an intravenous (IV) infusion. The new injection can reduce treatment time by up to 90 per cent, helping patients spend significantly less time in hospital.
Dr Grant Stewart, Consultant Clinical Oncologist said: “The introduction of quicker administration is delivering real benefits for our patients, helping us streamline care while continuing to prioritise appointments based on individual clinical need. We have already seen excellent patient satisfaction and reduced treatment time with subcutaneous Atezolizumab and Nivolumab, and we are delighted to now offer the same faster, more convenient experience to patients receiving pembrolizumab.”
Pembrolizumab can be used to treat 14 types of cancer, including lung, breast, head and neck, and cervical cancers. It works by stimulating the body’s own immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells.
Previously, treatment could only be delivered via an IV infusion, which can take up to two hours per session. The new under‑the‑skin (subcutaneous) injection takes just one to two minutes, sparing patients lengthy visits to treatment units and freeing up clinic time to see more patients.
Depending on the type of cancer being treated, patients will receive the injection either every three weeks as a one‑minute dose, or every six weeks as a two‑minute dose.
The change also significantly reduces preparation time. IV treatment requires hospital pharmacy teams to prepare infusions under specialist sterile conditions, a process that is both time‑intensive and resource‑heavy.
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