London, May 1, 2025 — In a groundbreaking development for cancer care, England’s National Health Service (NHS) has begun rolling out a revolutionary cancer treatment in the form of a fast-acting injection of nivolumab, a type of immunotherapy that is now set to transform the way several cancers are treated. The new method, dubbed the “super jab,” can be administered in as little as five minutes—dramatically reducing treatment time from the traditional one-hour intravenous infusions.
Nivolumab, previously given intravenously, has been a key treatment for various types of cancers including lung, breast, liver, bladder, head and neck, and skin cancers. Now, with this latest development, the treatment is administered via a subcutaneous injection, making it not only significantly faster but also more convenient for patients and healthcare staff.
The innovation means that up to 15 different types of cancers could potentially be treated in a fraction of the time, freeing up critical NHS resources and reducing the burden on hospitals. According to NHS England, hundreds of patients are expected to benefit from this new approach each year, with the first wave already receiving the injection in select hospitals across the country.
“This is a major milestone for cancer treatment in the UK,” said Dr. Alexander Martin, consultant oncologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. “Not only does it save time and reduce hospital visits, but it also improves patient comfort and access. For many living with cancer, every moment counts, and this can make a real difference.”
Nivolumab works by helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells, and has already shown impressive results in increasing survival rates across various cancers. Its approval in injection form comes after strong clinical evidence and a recommendation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The move aligns with NHS England’s broader strategy to streamline cancer services, enhance early diagnosis, and reduce waiting times—a goal made all the more urgent in the aftermath of pandemic-related backlogs.
Experts also hope that this innovation will pave the way for similar advancements in cancer care, enabling more home-based treatments and improving quality of life for patients undergoing long-term therapy.
With cancer remaining one of the leading causes of death in the UK, the launch of the nivolumab super jab marks a hopeful turning point in the country’s ongoing fight against the disease.
