Latest news with #Nivolumab
News18
13 hours ago
- Health
- News18
Cancer Breakthrough In Britain: Patients Discharged Within Minutes Of Injection
This saves patients hours annually, time they can spend with family, at work, or relaxing, while also offering major psychological relief from spending less time in hospitals With scientific advancements, cancer treatment has made significant progress. Several modern therapies are now available, making it possible to treat even advanced stages of the disease. While a complete cure for cancer is still elusive, many cases can now be effectively managed. One such advanced treatment is immunotherapy, which is typically administered through a drip that takes one to two hours. In a major breakthrough for cancer care, the UK National Health Service (NHS) has introduced a faster, more efficient way to deliver immunotherapy. Patients receiving the drug Nivolumab, used in the treatment of various cancers, can now get it via a quick injection that takes just 1 to 5 minutes. Until now, the same treatment required an hour-long IV drip, marking this shift as a significant step toward improving comfort and reducing time spent in hospitals. According to a Times of India report, Nivolumab is a type of immunotherapy that enhances the body's immune response against cancer cells. While the drug itself is not new, the method of delivery represents a significant improvement. This change is expected to have profound effects on cancer treatment, offering substantial benefits not only medically but also emotionally and practically for thousands of patients. This improvement can save patients dozens of hours annually, time that can be spent with family, at work, or relaxing at home. The psychological benefits of less time in hospital and more time in life are considerable. The new injection system also provides substantial advantages for the NHS, potentially saving around 1,000 hours each month, which can be reallocated to care for more patients, better manage appointments, and reduce waiting times. For many, this injection represents not just a medical advancement but a means to maintain a better routine and lead a less burdensome life. According to the Times of India report, the new injectable form of the immunotherapy drug Nivolumab has been approved for use in treating 15 different types of cancer, including skin, bladder, and oesophageal cancers. This quicker treatment method is expected to benefit nearly 1,200 patients in England every month, covering both new patients and those already on IV-based Nivolumab. Roughly 40% of existing IV recipients could shift to this injection-based option, which takes just 1 to 5 minutes to administer—compared to the hour-long IV sessions. Though not suitable for every patient, for those who qualify, the shorter and simpler process is a significant relief, medically and emotionally. Clinical trials have shown the injection to be equally effective as the IV form, with most patients reporting higher comfort and convenience. In fact, many preferred the injection over traditional drips, citing both time saved and less physical strain. Notably, this advancement comes at no additional cost. The NHS has successfully negotiated pricing with the drug manufacturer to ensure that the faster treatment does not put extra pressure on healthcare budgets. This aligns with the NHS's broader push toward more efficient, patient-friendly medical solutions that also make better use of limited resources. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New York Post
08-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Doctors have figured out a way to use herpes to fight untreatable advanced cancer
Herpes has been called 'the gift that keeps on giving' — finally, its presence has come in handy. Roughly two-thirds of the global population has been infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which typically causes painful and unsightly blisters around the mouth. University of Southern California researchers have found a way to rebrand this oft-embarrassing sore subject by genetically modifying HSV-1 and administering it to patients with treatment-resistant, advanced skin cancer along with an anti-cancer medication. 4 About 3.8 billion people worldwide have been infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which typically causes painful and unsightly blisters around the mouth. – In a recent clinical trial, this one-two punch shrank tumors by at least 30% in around one-third of the 140 participants. Nearly one in six saw their tumors completely disappear. 'These findings are very encouraging because melanoma is the fifth most common cancer for adults, and about half of all advanced melanoma cases cannot be managed with currently available immunotherapy treatments,' said Dr. Gino Kim In, a medical oncologist with Keck Medicine of USC. Advanced melanoma means the skin cancer has spread from its initial location to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes, the liver or the brain. Immunotherapy to help the immune system attack cancer cells, targeted therapy and radiation therapy are common treatment options. 4 This is a close-up of the herpes virus, which may hold the key in the battle against advanced melanoma. BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images 'The survival rate of untreatable advanced melanoma is only a few years, so this new therapy offers hope to patients who may have run out of options to fight the cancer,' In said. In January, the Food and Drug Administration granted priority review to RP1 (the genetically modified HSV-1) with the anti-cancer medication nivolumab (marketed as Opdivo) for advanced melanoma patients whose cancer had not responded to immunotherapy. Nivolumab blocks a key protein that cancer cells use to evade the immune system, paving the way for the immune system to recognize and attack these cells. The idea is that nivolumab would enhance the effects of RP1, which targets, infects and replicates in tumor cells to destroy them — while sparing healthy tissue. In told The Post that RP1 was developed by knocking out specific genes in HSV-1 so that it no longer causes cold sores. 'Additional genetic modifications were made to the virus to stimulate the immune system to better fight the cancer and to help the virus more efficiently interact with and kill tumor cells,' In said. 4 Nivolumab blocks a key protein that cancer cells use to evade the immune system, paving the way for the immune system to recognize and attack these cells. luchschenF – In the USC trial, researchers injected RP1 into superficial tumors on or near the skin's surface and into tumors deeper in the body, like in the liver or lungs. We're Tracking Prime Day Live! Unlock exclusive NYP codes and real-time deals on everyday must-haves. See Your Deals The combination therapy was administered every two weeks for up to eight cycles. Afterwards, the patients who started to see results took just nivolumab every four weeks for up to two years. Researchers were stunned to notice a difference in the size of the treated and untreated tumors. The untouched tumors shrank or disappeared as often as the injected ones. 'This result suggests that RPI is effective in targeting cancer throughout the entire body and not just the injected tumor,' said In, 'which expands the potential effectiveness of the drug because some tumors may be more difficult or impossible to reach.' 4 Dr. Gino Kim In, a medical oncologist with Keck Medicine of USC, is one of the lead investigators on the trial. Keck Medicine of USC RP1 was reported to be well-tolerated among the participants. Results from the trial were published Tuesday in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and recently presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. In and his team launched a phase 3 trial to study the effects of this treatment in over 400 cancer patients. People interested in participating in the trial, sponsored by RP1 manufacturer Replimune, should contact Sandy Tran at
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- 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
26-05-2025
- 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.
