India gets 7 Minute Lung Cancer Immunotherapy Shot

India has received its first seven-minute injectable immunotherapy treatment for lung cancer, marking a major advancement in cancer care and patient convenience. Swiss pharma giant Roche has launched the subcutaneous version of its immunotherapy drug Tecentriq, also known as atezolizumab, in the Indian market.

Unlike traditional intravenous immunotherapy that can take several hours, the new injection can be administered under the skin in just seven minutes, significantly reducing hospital time for patients.

The treatment is designed for patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases diagnosed in India every year. However, doctors say the therapy is suitable only for patients whose cancer cells show high expression of the PD-L1 protein.

Doctors say the injectable version could improve treatment compliance and patient comfort while also easing pressure on overcrowded oncology departments. According to reports, hospitals may be able to treat multiple patients in the same time previously required for one IV infusion.

The drug works by blocking the PD-L1 protein used by cancer cells to evade the body’s immune system. Once blocked, immune cells can recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively.

However, the treatment comes with a high price tag. Reports say each dose costs around Rs 3.7 lakh, with many patients requiring nearly six doses during treatment. Roche has reportedly introduced a patient assistance programme called “Blue Tree” to improve accessibility, and the therapy has also been included under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

The launch comes amid growing discussions around the affordability of advanced cancer treatments in India, especially immunotherapy and targeted therapies, which often cost lakhs of rupees per cycle. Online discussions among patients and caregivers have highlighted concerns over insurance coverage and access to expensive cancer drugs.