Cancer Shot India: In a serious disease like cancer, the method of treatment is very important for the patient and his family. Keeping this in view, a new immunotherapy drug has recently been launched in India, which has brought great relief to lung cancer patients. The biggest advantage of this medicine is that it can now be given as an injection into the body in just 7 minutes, whereas earlier it was available only through long IV (intravenous) infusion. In such a situation, let us know what is the price of the new immunotherapy injection launched in India.

What is the new immunotherapy injection?

The new immunotherapy injection is mainly for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). About 81,000 new lung cancer cases are reported every year in India, in which this type is the most common, but this medicine cannot be given to every patient. It works on PD-L1 protein. Therefore, only those patients can benefit from it whose cancer cells have high levels of PD-L1 protein. According to experts, almost half of NSCLC patients are eligible for this treatment.

How does the medicine work?

The T cells of our body’s immune system recognize and destroy abnormal or harmful cells, but many cancer cells display a protein called PD-L1, which confuses the T cells and prevents them from attacking. Atezolizumab binds to this protein and blocks it. Due to this, T cells again start recognizing cancer cells and destroy them.

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How accurate is the new immunotherapy injection method?

Earlier this medicine was given in the form of IV infusion, in which the patient had to stay in the hospital for hours, but in the new subcutaneous injection technique it can be given in the thigh in just 7 minutes. Experts say that now five patients of the hospital can get treatment through SC injection, whereas the same patient used to take so much time for IV infusion. Patients are also liking this new method. Global studies show that 4 out of 5 patients take SC injection instead of IV.

What is the price of the new immunotherapy injection launched in India?

The price of the new immunotherapy injection launched in India is very high. The cost of one dose in India is around Rs 3.7 lakh and usually a patient needs 6 doses. But the Patient Assistance Program of a company called Blue Tree helps in reducing the costs of the patients. It has also been included under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). The bio-equivalent dose in SC injection is 1800 mg, while in IV it is 1200 mg, the difference in price of which is around Rs 25,000 to 30,000.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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