Dr Hilary Jones has praised a new NHS injection that takes just 60 seconds to administer and is set to help tens of thousands of people. Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, the TV doctor hailed the rollout of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as a 'revolutionary' immunotherapy that targets 14 different cancer types.
How the Jab Works
Dr Hilary explained: 'The way it works is by blocking a protein, which stops your immune system recognising cancer cells. So your immune system will recognise those cancer cells more quickly and more efficiently and start to get rid of them.'
He added: 'It's going to prolong people's lives. It's going to cure people, either in use alone or with other chemotherapy. So it's really good news.'
Replacing Lengthy Infusions
The new jab replaces an intravenous infusion that previously took up to two hours. Now, patients can receive the treatment in one minute every three weeks or two minutes every six weeks, depending on the cancer type.
Dr Hilary noted: 'It means that people don't have to go to hospital for two hours at a time... We're so lucky to have this on the NHS. First place to roll it out. People don't realise this could cost about £100,000 a year.'
Patient Impact
Shirley Xerxes, 89, from St Albans, was among the first to receive the jab at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. She said: 'I was only in the chair for a matter of minutes instead of an hour or more. It's made such a difference and gives me more time to live my life, including spending more time gardening.'
Approximately 14,000 patients begin pembrolizumab therapy annually in England, with most expected to switch to the new injection.
Expert and Official Reactions
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer, said: 'This immunotherapy offers a lifeline for thousands of patients and it's fantastic that this new rapid jab can now take just a minute to deliver – meaning patients can get back to living their lives rather than spending hours in a hospital chair.'
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, a cancer survivor, added: 'Our National Cancer Plan promised to do more and go faster for patients – already we are delivering that change. This roll out will offer quicker, more convenient care, saving patients time and helping them in their recovery with less time in hospital.'
Side Effects
Cancer Research UK warns that pembrolizumab can cause inflammation in different parts of the body, leading to serious side effects that may occur during or months after treatment. Common side effects include breathlessness, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea, skin changes, low thyroid hormone levels, loss of appetite, headaches, constipation, pain, and fluid buildup.
