NHS introduces injectable Keytruda to cut cancer treatment time
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 3
NHS introduces injectable Keytruda to cut cancer treatment time
10 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 3
Around 14,000 patients in England start pembrolizumab yearly, and most are expected to switch to one- or two-minute injections every three or six weeks.
The drug treats 14 cancers, including lung, breast and cervical, and replaces intravenous infusions that can take more than an hour, easing pressure on chemotherapy units.
It is the NHS's third injectable immunotherapy; officials say pricing is roughly unchanged, while Merck's reformulated product faces scrutiny as original Keytruda patents near expiry.
Is Keytruda's new quick jab a win for patients or a strategy to delay cheaper alternatives?
With cancer therapy now a two-minute jab, will treatment soon move from hospitals to local neighborhood clinics?
NHS Pioneers Injectable Nivolumab and Atezolizumab, Cutting Cancer Treatment Time by Up to 75%
Overview
In early 2026, the NHS became the first globally to roll out injectable forms of nivolumab and atezolizumab, following MHRA approval and cost-neutral agreements with manufacturers. This shift drastically reduced treatment times—from up to 60 minutes to just minutes—freeing over a year of clinical capacity annually. Clinical trials confirmed these injections maintain the same safety and effectiveness as intravenous infusions, while patients prefer the quicker, more comfortable subcutaneous administration. These advances not only improve patient experience but also enhance system efficiency, positioning the NHS as a leader in accessible cancer care and paving the way for future innovations in immunotherapy delivery.