UK Introduces Single Injection Immunotherapy to Accelerate Cancer Treatment

Cancer patients in the United Kingdom can now benefit from a faster and more efficient treatment option with the introduction of single-injection immunotherapy using the drug Nivolumab. This new method significantly reduces treatment time, allowing administration in just 15 minutes, compared to the previous one-hour intravenous drip.

This move is expected to enhance convenience, patient comfort, and healthcare efficiency across oncology departments in the UK.

Understanding Immunotherapy

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a type of biological treatment that leverages the body’s own immune system to detect and destroy diseases such as cancer.

Biological Approach: It involves the use of natural or lab-engineered substances, including proteins and antibodies, to strengthen the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.

How It Differs from Chemotherapy: Unlike chemotherapy, which indiscriminately kills both cancerous and healthy cells, immunotherapy enables the immune system to target cancer cells more precisely, reducing damage to healthy tissue.

Mechanism of Action

• Immune Stimulation: Immunotherapy stimulates the body’s natural defences, enhancing their ability to identify and eliminate cancer cells. Agents known as immunomodulators are commonly used.
  
• Lab-Engineered Support: Scientists also use monoclonal antibodies and other engineered proteins to support the immune response in attacking tumours.

Key Benefits of Immunotherapy

• Targeted Action: Precisely targets cancer cells, minimising harm to healthy tissues.
  
• Adaptive Response: The immune system can adapt to tumour mutations that try to evade detection.
  
• Long-Term Memory:  Once trained, the immune system can remember and attack recurring cancer cells more effectively.

Challenges and Limitations

• Limited Effectiveness in Some Tumours: Certain cancers suppress immune responses or are difficult to target, making immunotherapy less effective.
  
• Variable Outcomes: Responses can vary widely between patients due to genetic or health-related factors.
  
• High Treatment Costs: These cutting-edge treatments can be expensive, limiting access for some patients.