Swiss pharma company Roche has launched a new injection-based lung cancer treatment in India that can be given in just seven minutes, offering faster and more convenient care for patients.
The treatment, called Tecentriq SC, is used for certain lung cancer patients and is given as an injection under the skin. Earlier, the same immunotherapy medicine had to be delivered through an intravenous (IV) drip, a process that often took several hours in hospitals.
Doctors say the new method could make treatment easier for both patients and hospitals. Since the injection takes only a few minutes, patients may spend less time in hospitals and daycare centres, reducing physical and emotional stress during treatment.
The therapy is mainly meant for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer. Experts said patients whose cancer shows high PD-L1 levels are likely to benefit the most from the treatment.
Cancer specialists believe the shorter treatment time can help hospitals manage more patients efficiently, especially in busy cancer care centres where long waiting periods are common.
The medicine, however, remains costly. Reports said one dose may cost around ₹4 lakh, and patients could need multiple sessions depending on their condition. Roche said support programmes are being offered to help some patients access the treatment.
Health experts said India records thousands of new lung cancer cases every year, with many patients diagnosed at advanced stages. They believe newer treatment methods that save time and reduce hospital burden could improve patient care and convenience.
The injection-based therapy has already been approved in several countries globally. Roche said the India launch is part of efforts to make cancer treatment quicker, simpler and more patient-friendly.
