New immunotherapy drugs are revolutionizing cancer treatment, promising faster, more efficient therapies. The UK’s NHS is at the forefront of this change, introducing subcutaneous Nivolumab injections for 15 cancer types, making it the first European nation to embrace this approach.
Several countries and major pharmaceutical companies are aggressively pursuing cancer vaccine development.
A new era in cancer treatment: Vaccine therapies
Subcutaneous Injection for 15 Cancer Types
NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, revealed that Nivolumab, a subcutaneous injection, can be used to treat 15 cancers, including lung, colorectal, kidney, bladder, esophageal, skin, head and neck cancers. This innovative approach frees up clinician time, allowing for more patients to be treated and increasing hospital capacity.
Previously, administering this type of medication required 30-60 minutes of intravenous infusion. The new subcutaneous method shortens the process to just 3-5 minutes.
The NHS estimates that the Nivolumab subcutaneous injection will save clinicians approximately 1,000 hours per month in treating cancer patients. This translates to potentially treating up to 15,000 additional patients annually. The NHS typically treats around 1,200 patients with various cancers.
The Future of Cancer Vaccines
Recent breakthroughs include a new cancer vaccine developed by Tufts University researchers in March. This vaccine, tested on animals, showed promise in treating skin, breast, Lewis lung, and advanced ovarian cancers.
Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent infectious diseases, this innovative cancer vaccine stimulates the immune system to identify and attack cancerous cells. These treatments are designed for curative rather than preventive purposes.
In December 2024, Russia announced its development of an mRNA-based cancer vaccine, similar to the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. This Russian cancer vaccine is focused on treating existing cancers by targeting tumor growth and metastasis in diagnosed patients, rather than prevention. The vaccine, customizable to each patient, is expected to be distributed freely after clinical trials are completed.
Several vaccines already exist to prevent viruses linked to cancer. The HPV vaccine prevents cervical, anal, head and neck, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Similarly, the HBV vaccine combats hepatitis B, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Some vaccines are currently in use for cancer treatment. The BCG vaccine is used in early-stage bladder cancer to prevent progression and metastasis. Sipuleucel-T is another vaccine used for patients with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, offering improved survival rates.
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