India on Sunday marked another major milestone in cancer care, as it received a revolutionary seven-minute cancer injection designed for patients ailing with lung cancer. Notably, the treatment has been introduced by Roche Pharma India, and is aimed at making immunotherapy quicker, more convenient and less physically exhausting for patients reeling with the disease.
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The newly-launched drug, called Tecentriq, is primarily intended for patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer in India. The new treatment is administered under the skin and takes only close to seven minutes, which is expected to put an end to conventional intravenous (IV) immunotherapy sessions that require patients to remain in hospitals for long hours.
Medical experts weighed in, saying that the innovation could dramatically ramp up patient experience while also easing pressure on overcrowded cancer treatment centres across the country.
How does the new injection work?
According to reports, the injection carries a drug called Atezolizumab, which targets a protein known as PD-L1. Cancer cells often utilise this protein to evade the body’s immune system, preventing immune cells from recognising and attacking tumours.
The treatment paves the way for blocking the PD-L1 protein and enables the immune system to detect, as well as destroy cancer cells more efficiently. Doctors say the therapy is likely to prove beneficial, especially for patients whose tumours show high levels of PD-L1 expression.
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Additionally, chemotherapy, which attacks both the cancerous and healthy cells, and causes severe side effects, immunotherapy works by strengthening the body’s natural defence system. This approach is being highly preferred because it is often linked with fewer debilitating complications.
High cost sparks affordability concerns
Despite sound medical promises, the dose’s launch has triggered serious concerns over its affordability, as each dose of the injection is valued at Rs 3.7 lakh. Many patients require around six doses during treatment, which translates to a cost of several lakhs of rupees, placing the therapy beyond the reach of many middle-class and lower-income families already bearing the cost of expensive cancer treatment.
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Cancer specialists have attributed the high cost of immunotherapy drugs to sophisticated research, clinical development and biotechnology involved in their creation.
However, to slash the financial burden, Roche has launched a patient assistance system called ‘Blue Tree’. The treatment has also been included under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), potentially extending reimbursement support for eligible patients.