In a groundbreaking development, the state-run national health service in Britain is set to become the first in the world to offer a revolutionary seven-minute cancer treatment injection. The immunotherapy drug, atezolizumab, also known as Tecentriq, has been given approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to be administered under the skin. This groundbreaking injection has the potential to reduce treatment times by up to three quarters, providing a more convenient and efficient option for patients.

Currently, atezolizumab is given intravenously through a drip directly into the veins, a process that can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. However, with the introduction of the under-the-skin injection, this time can be reduced to a mere seven minutes. This will not only benefit patients by enabling a quicker and more streamlined treatment process, but it will also allow healthcare teams to allocate more time to treat additional patients throughout the day. Atezolizumab is an immunotherapy drug that empowers a patient's immune system to identify and destroy cancerous cells. It has been proven effective in treating a range of cancers including lung, breast, liver, and bladder.

With approximately 3,600 patients expected to start atezolizumab treatment each year in England, the time-saving injection is expected to become the preferred method of administration for the majority of patients. This groundbreaking development is a significant step forward in cancer treatment, with patients in England being the first to benefit from this innovative technology. It not only improves the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing treatment times, but it also frees up valuable time and resources within the NHS chemotherapy units. NHS England's national director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, emphasized the importance of maintaining the best possible quality of life for cancer patients and expressed optimism that the introduction of faster under-the-skin injections will make a significant difference in achieving this goal.

The world-leading rollout of the under-the-skin injection for atezolizumab marks a major breakthrough in cancer treatment, offering a more efficient and convenient option for patients. As the first country to implement this groundbreaking technology, it showcases Britain's commitment to pushing the boundaries in healthcare innovation and improving patient care. The introduction of this treatment not only benefits individuals undergoing cancer treatment but also brings us one step closer to combating this devastating disease.