A major advancement in cancer treatment has recently become available in India with the launch of a new immunotherapy injection that can be administered in just seven minutes. The treatment, a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) version of the immunotherapy drug atezolizumab, offers a faster and more convenient option for eligible lung cancer patients.
Traditionally, immunotherapy drugs are given through intravenous (IV) infusions, which can require patients to spend several hours at the hospital. With the newly introduced injection, the same treatment can now be delivered through a simple injection in the thigh, significantly reducing treatment time and improving patient comfort.
The treatment is designed for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer. However, not all patients are eligible. The therapy specifically targets a protein called PD-L1, which some cancer cells use to hide from the body’s immune system. Patients whose tumors show high levels of PD-L1 expression may benefit the most from this treatment.
One such patient was a 57-year-old man diagnosed with advanced lung cancer that had already spread to multiple organs. After undergoing evaluation at Medanta Gurgaon, doctors found that his cancer cells had high PD-L1 levels, making him a suitable candidate for immunotherapy. Instead of receiving lengthy infusions, he was able to begin treatment with the newly launched injection.
According to Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, head of medical oncology at the hospital, “The new injection provides the same therapeutic benefits as the IV version. Clinical studies have shown that atezolizumab can help improve overall survival, delay disease progression, and reduce the risk of death in eligible patients.”
In addition, many patients prefer the injectable version because it involves less time in the hospital and fewer infusion-related side effects.
The innovation also helps hospitals treat more patients efficiently. In the time required to administer one IV infusion, several patients can receive the subcutaneous injection, making cancer care more accessible and convenient.
While the treatment represents an important breakthrough, affordability remains a challenge. Each dose costs approximately ₹3.7 lakh, and many patients require multiple doses during treatment. To support patients, assistance programs and certain government healthcare schemes are helping improve access to the therapy.
Healthcare experts believe this new 7-minute cancer injection marks a significant step forward in cancer care in India. By reducing treatment time and improving patient convenience, it has the potential to enhance the overall treatment experience for many people battling lung cancer.
Source: The Indian Express & ND TV Life line , May 2026
