Latest news with #Nivolumab
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
'One check saw me find my husband's lump, it is stage four cancer'
'One check saw me find my husband's lump, it is stage four cancer' Stuart now needs experimental therapy abroad to have a chance of survival Stuart and his pet Jack Russell, Nola A woman doing a last-minute safety check before her husband set off on a zipline spotted something concerning - a significant lump on his neck. Lauren Smith and husband Stuart were on holiday in Cornwall and about to zip over the Eden Project. Lauren, 30, said: "I saw a lump on the side of Stu's neck. It looked harmless at the time. We agreed he'd get it checked out when we got home." Stuart, now 40, was healthy, active, and travelling internationally for work as an accountant. Neither of them expected that one small lump would lead to her now making an appeal to save his life. The lump on his neck has progressed to Stage 4 with tumours in his brain, liver, lungs, thigh, and lymph nodes. Weeks after that holiday in Cornwall in August 2019, Stu was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma — a type of skin cancer that in his case had no clear origin, known as 'melanoma with an unknown primary.' Stu's lump was diagnosed as a rare melanoma This rare diagnosis occurs in just a small percentage of melanoma patients. He underwent a major neck dissection to remove 28 lymph nodes and part of a neck muscle after the cancer was found to have started spreading. Article continues below A genetic mutation, BRAF, was detected, which allowed him to begin targeted drug therapy, Dabrafenib and Trametinib - a daily treatment aimed at keeping the cancer at bay. The scans came back clear. Stu returned to work and the couple adopted a Jack Russell named Nala. But in March 2023, a routine PET scan revealed that the melanoma had returned, this time in Stu's liver and thigh. His condition was upgraded to Stage 4. He began immunotherapy treatment with a combination of Ipilimumab and Nivolumab - powerful drugs designed to help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. But just two cycles in, Stu suffered severe complications and was admitted to hospital with Grade 3 immune-related hepatitis. His liver began to fail, and he spent a month in hospital. "Every time we got our hopes up, we were knocked down again," said Lauren. "But Stu never gave up. He always faced it with strength." In August 2023, the couple got engaged on their 10-year anniversary. They decided to cancel their long-term wedding plans and were married in a quiet ceremony on December 30, 2024, surrounded by close family and friends. "It was one of the happiest days of our lives and one of the hardest," Lauren said. "We didn't know what lay ahead, but we knew we didn't want to wait." Early in 2024, targeted therapy showed some promising results, with signs of tumour shrinkage. However, by May, the cancer had built resistance and began to spread again, this time to Stu's lungs, lymph nodes, and eventually his brain. In December 2024, he began chemotherapy three consecutive days every three weeks. The wedding day was arranged in a hurry as Stu is undergoing intensive therapy Stu experienced hair loss, fatigue, and confusion. He continued to work when possible and pushed through each cycle with resilience. Then, in March 2025, the couple faced another major blow. On the evening of 11 March, Lauren returned home from work to find Stu confused and unable to speak. He was rushed to hospital where a scan revealed a large tumour and a bleed on the brain. "It was terrifying," Lauren said. "For a while, he couldn't talk, and I could see how scared he was. But even then, he never stopped fighting." The swelling was brought under control with steroids, but Stu was left with aphasia, a condition that impaired his ability to speak. For days, he could understand what was being said to him, but couldn't respond. After a week in hospital, he returned home. Then came a breakthrough. His first words were: "Ready to fight." Soon after, Stu underwent a craniotomy. The NHS team successfully removed the brain tumour and blood clot. His speech slowly returned, and he began recovering at home. But the cancer was still growing. And there were no treatment options left in the UK that could offer a meaningful chance of long-term survival. The only remaining hope lies in accessing a cutting-edge therapy available in Israel called TIL therapy (Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocyte therapy). Stu and Lauren were married at the end of last year This treatment involves removing tumour tissue, isolating immune cells from it, growing them in a lab, and reintroducing them into the body to attack the cancer. "This is the last option we have," Lauren said. "It's not just about extending life, it's about giving him a real chance." The treatment, hospital stay, and associated travel costs are expected to total £165,000. So far, supporters have raised just over £70,000. "We're overwhelmed by the support so far," Lauren said. Article continues below "Every donation, every message, every share — it means the world to us." Anyone who wants to help can visit their GoFundMe page via
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I was checking to make sure my husband was safe, but I found a deadly lump'
Stuart now needs to raise thousands of pounds for radical therapy in Israel A woman doing a last-minute safety check before her husband set off on a zipline spotted something concerning - a significant lump on his neck. Lauren Smith and husband Stuart were on holiday in Cornwall and about to zip over the Eden Project. Lauren, 30, said: "I saw a lump on the side of Stu's neck. It looked harmless at the time. We agreed he'd get it checked out when we got home." Stuart, now 40, was healthy, active, and travelling internationally for work as an accountant. Neither of them expected that one small lump would lead to her now making an appeal to save his life. The lump on his neck has progressed to Stage 4 with tumours in his brain, liver, lungs, thigh, and lymph nodes. Weeks after that holiday in Cornwall in August 2019, Stu was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma — a type of skin cancer that in his case had no clear origin, known as 'melanoma with an unknown primary.' This rare diagnosis occurs in just a small percentage of melanoma patients. He underwent a major neck dissection to remove 28 lymph nodes and part of a neck muscle after the cancer was found to have started spreading. A genetic mutation, BRAF, was detected, which allowed him to begin targeted drug therapy, Dabrafenib and Trametinib - a daily treatment aimed at keeping the cancer at bay. The scans came back clear. Stu returned to work and the couple adopted a Jack Russell named Nala. But in March 2023, a routine PET scan revealed that the melanoma had returned, this time in Stu's liver and thigh. His condition was upgraded to Stage 4. He began immunotherapy treatment with a combination of Ipilimumab and Nivolumab - powerful drugs designed to help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. But just two cycles in, Stu suffered severe complications and was admitted to hospital with Grade 3 immune-related hepatitis. His liver began to fail, and he spent a month in hospital. "Every time we got our hopes up, we were knocked down again," said Lauren. "But Stu never gave up. He always faced it with strength." In August 2023, the couple got engaged on their 10-year anniversary. They decided to cancel their long-term wedding plans and were married in a quiet ceremony on December 30, 2024, surrounded by close family and friends. "It was one of the happiest days of our lives and one of the hardest," Lauren said. "We didn't know what lay ahead, but we knew we didn't want to wait." Early in 2024, targeted therapy showed some promising results, with signs of tumour shrinkage. However, by May, the cancer had built resistance and began to spread again, this time to Stu's lungs, lymph nodes, and eventually his brain. In December 2024, he began chemotherapy three consecutive days every three weeks. Stu experienced hair loss, fatigue, and confusion. He continued to work when possible and pushed through each cycle with resilience. Then, in March 2025, the couple faced another major blow. On the evening of 11 March, Lauren returned home from work to find Stu confused and unable to speak. He was rushed to hospital where a scan revealed a large tumour and a bleed on the brain. "It was terrifying," Lauren said. "For a while, he couldn't talk, and I could see how scared he was. But even then, he never stopped fighting." The swelling was brought under control with steroids, but Stu was left with aphasia, a condition that impaired his ability to speak. For days, he could understand what was being said to him, but couldn't respond. After a week in hospital, he returned home. Then came a breakthrough. His first words were: "Ready to fight." Soon after, Stu underwent a craniotomy. The NHS team successfully removed the brain tumour and blood clot. His speech slowly returned, and he began recovering at home. But the cancer was still growing. And there were no treatment options left in the UK that could offer a meaningful chance of long-term survival. The only remaining hope lies in accessing a cutting-edge therapy available in Israel called TIL therapy (Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocyte therapy). This treatment involves removing tumour tissue, isolating immune cells from it, growing them in a lab, and reintroducing them into the body to attack the cancer. "This is the last option we have," Lauren said. "It's not just about extending life, it's about giving him a real chance." The treatment, hospital stay, and associated travel costs are expected to total £165,000. So far, supporters have raised just over £70,000. "We're overwhelmed by the support so far," Lauren said. "Every donation, every message, every share — it means the world to us." Anyone who wants to help can visit their GoFundMe page via
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Banding together to help save a life from cancer
Geraldine musicians are joining forces to help raise money for essential medication for a bandmate's daughter. Local musician Craig Workman's daughter Kim was diagnosed with stage four metastatic melanoma in March. The most effective treatment for the type of cancer she had was four cycles of Ipilimumab and Nivolumab, but it is not funded in New Zealand. The cost was $60,000 for four cycles of treatment. While a Givealittle page had been set up to raise money for her to access the drugs, a few weeks ago the cancer had progressed to a stage where a faster-acting drug — also not funded — was needed. A 10cm tumour pushing on her stomach had made eating almost impossible and simple things like vacuuming and washing had become painful. Miss Workman said the doctors had a "quick consultation in the hallway" and she had been moved straight to hospice for symptom control. "They were amazing, the care was absolutely phenomenal." She said people might think hospice was solely for end-of-life care, but that was not the case for everyone. Because the day Miss Workman found out she needed to change medication was a public holiday, her partner Sade Hopkins had flown to Auckland where a friend was waiting with the $5000 medication she had purchased from a chemist. Miss Workman said she could feel the tumours were reducing, and in the last week-and-a-half she had begun to feel better, even managing to drive to Timaru. Once the cancer stabilised she would begin again on Ipilimumab and Nivolumab. When her father's bandmates and choirmates found out Mr Workman's daughter needed help, they came up with the idea of a fundraising concert. Musical director Glenys Carson said that being in a choir "it seemed fairly natural to do a concert". Mrs Carson said the Geraldine community got behind them with other bands stepping forward to play. She said Mr Workman was "definitely a prominent person" in the musical scene in Geraldine, often playing at the farmers markets. While Mr Workman and his wife Paulette are now on the road for a new job, they would return for their daughter's fundraiser. Miss Hopkins said her partner's parents' new job was unfortunate timing. On February 1 they had been offered the new job, and on March 1 their daughter had been diagnosed. "Kim is just a naturally strong and uplifting person, it has been hard seeing her in pain." The couple met 16 years ago working at the same restaurant, and while Miss Hopkins had initially said she hoped for another 16 years, on further reflection, "another 60 would be great". The concert will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 2pm at St Mary's Church. Door sales and cash only.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opdivo (nivolumab) Market Research Report 2025: Rising NSCLC Prevalence and Immunotherapy Acceptance Fueling Growth
The Opdivo (nivolumab) market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market's dynamics, focusing on size, growth potential, segmentation, and regional breakdown. Key factors driving growth include rising cancer prevalence, expanding immunotherapy acceptance, and ongoing innovations. The report highlights trends like personalized medicine and combination therapies. North America leads the market, while Asia-Pacific shows rapid growth potential. Major players include Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical. The report offers insights into emerging trends and strategic developments, making it essential for stakeholders aiming to understand the Opdivo market landscape. Dublin, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Opdivo (nivolumab) Market Report 2025: Epidemiology, Pipeline Analysis, Market Insights & Forecasts" has been added to offering. The Opdivo (Nivolumab) market report provides a comprehensive analysis of key market dynamics, covering its size, growth potential, and segmentation across major regions and countries. It reveals past trends and future growth projections, examining the competitive landscape, market share, trends, and strategic developments. Historically, market growth has been driven by an increased prevalence of cancer, substantial R&D investments, and rising expenditure on healthcare facilities. Specifically, a significant rise in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases has been a vital growth driver. In 2024, the U.S. reported 234,580 new lung cancer cases, with 80% being NSCLC. Opdivo enhances the immune response by blocking the PD-1 receptor on immune cells, aiding in the attack on cancer cells. The forecast period anticipates growth fueled by the acceptance of immunotherapy, increased healthcare spending, diversified uses of nivolumab, and a preference for advanced treatment options. Notable trends include product innovation, geographic expansion, enhanced personalized medicine practices, and ongoing cancer research advancements. A surge in the development of combination therapies is set to enhance treatment efficacy and expand applicability across various cancer types. These strategies, which address resistance mechanisms, provide more comprehensive cancer treatment alternatives. In October 2024, the FDA approved Opdivo in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy for resectable NSCLC, facilitating its pre- and post-surgery application. The market has also witnessed strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration between Lyvgen Biopharma and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) in November 2022. This partnership aims at a Phase II clinical trial to assess LVGN7409 with Opdivo for advanced NSCLC. Key players in the market include Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical. Regionally, North America led in terms of market size in 2024, but Asia-Pacific is projected to grow fastest. The report covers several regions including Asia-Pacific, Western and Eastern Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. Key countries included are the USA, China, Germany, Japan, and others. Opdivo formulations are available in various dosages, such as 40 mg/4 ml, 100 mg/10 ml, and 240 mg/24 ml, typically administered as injections or solutions for diverse patient needs. This immunotherapy targets numerous cancers, including melanoma, NSCLC, and others, with end-users primarily comprising hospitals and clinics. This report is part of a series providing global market statistics for Opdivo, detailing market segments, trends, and opportunities for growth in this specific industry. It focuses on both monotherapy and combination therapies, with sales figures reflecting factory gate values. Key Highlights: Embrace a global perspective by accessing the most comprehensive report covering ten geographies. Evaluate the impact of macro factors such as global conflicts, pandemics, economic recovery, inflation, and interest rate changes. Formulate regional and country-specific strategies based on local data and analysis. Discover growth segments for strategic investments. Leverage forecast data and market drivers to outperform competitors. Gain insights into market shares for a deeper understanding of customer dynamics. Benchmark organizational performance against key competitors. Utilize report data to enhance both internal and external presentations with high-quality analysis. Receive the report updated with the latest data, including an Excel data sheet for easy extraction and analysis. Access data through an Excel dashboard for interactive insights. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market Characteristics 3. Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market Biologic Drug Characteristics 3.1. Molecule Type 3.2. Route of Administration (ROA) 3.3. Mechanism of Action (MOA) 3.4. Safety and Efficacy 4. Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market Trends and Strategies 5. Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market - Macro Economic Scenario 6. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Growth Analysis and Strategic Analysis Framework 6.1. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) PESTEL Analysis 6.2. Analysis of End Use Industries 6.3. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market Growth Rate Analysis 6.4. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Historic Market Size and Growth 6.5. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Forecast Market Size and Growth 6.6. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Total Addressable Market (TAM) 7. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market Pricing Analysis & Forecasts 8. Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market Segmentation 8.1. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market, Segmentation by Type 8.2. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market, Segmentation by Dosage 8.3. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market, Segmentation by Demographic 8.4. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market, Segmentation by Application 8.5. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market, Segmentation by End-User 9. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market Epidemiology of Clinical Indications 9.1. Drug Side Effects 9.2. Incidence and Prevalence of Clinical Indications 10. Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market Regional and Country Analysis 10.1. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market, Split by Region 10.2. Global Opdivo (Nivolumab) Market, Split by Country For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Muscat Daily
06-05-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Everything you need to know about Nivolumab
The cancer beating jab approved by UK NHS London, UK – A promising breakthrough in cancer treatment is grabbing attention. Nivolumab, known by its brand name Opdivo, has been approved for administration by UK NHS (National Health Services). This simple, under-the-skin injection takes just 3 to 5 minutes to administer, and helps fight 14 different cancers. What is Nivolumab? Nivolumab is a type of immunotherapy – a class of treatment that harnesses the body's own immune system to fight cancer. It belongs to a group of drugs called checkpoint inhibitors, and it specifically targets a protein on T-cells called PD-1 (programmed death-1). Normally, some cancer cells produce signals that stop the immune system from attacking them. Nivolumab blocks these signals, allowing T-cells to stay active and attack the cancer. What's new about the injection? Until recently, Nivolumab was given through an intravenous (IV) drip, taking up to an hour. Now, thanks to approval from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), patients can receive the same drug as a quick 3–5 minute injection under the skin (subcutaneous).The switch to injection helps save time for both patients and hospitals. Additionally. It makes treatment more comfortable and convenient. The injection is expected to free up significant capacity across NHS cancer services. Which cancers can it treat? This new injection is approved for 14 different types of cancer, including:• Lung cancer• Bowel (colorectal) cancer• Kidney cancer• Bladder cancer• Oesophageal cancer• Skin cancer (melanoma)• Head and neck cancers• Liver cancer• Stomach cancer Is it effective? In a Phase 3 clinical trial, researchers compared the new injectable form with the traditional IV version. The results showed comparable drug levels in the body (pharmacokinetics) There was a similar safety profile and had equivalent tumour response ratesThis means the injection works just as well as the IV drip. It's not a new drug – just a new and faster way of giving it. How many patients could benefit? Up to 15,000 patients a year across England could benefit from the injection version of Nivolumab, according to NHS England. About 1,200 new patients a month are expected to switch from IV to injection, with most new patients starting on the injectable option. What about side effects? Like all cancer drugs, Nivolumab can cause side effects. These might include fatigue, skin rash, nausea, or inflammation in organs such as the lungs or liver. A full list is available in the Patient Information Leaflet on the MHRA website. What experts are saying Prof Peter Johnson, NHS England's National Clinical Director for Cancer, says, 'Being able to offer Nivolumab as an injection in minutes makes the process far more convenient. It allows teams to treat even more patients and free up hospital capacity.'Naser Turabi of Cancer Research UK adds, 'Innovations like this are vital for treating cancer patients sooner and more efficiently. We're in a golden age of cancer research.' The bottom line Nivolumab isn't a cure-all, but it's a powerful tool in the cancer treatment arsenal – and with the new injection form, it's more accessible than ever. If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, it's worth asking your specialist whether this quicker option is available and appropriate.
