First Subcutaneous Pembrolizumab delivered at Hastings hospital
The first Subcutaneous Pembrolizumab has been delivered in the Judy Beard Day Unit at Conquest Hospital in Hastings.
The new cancer treatment replaces an IV infusion that previously required up to two hours in the unit, the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust confirmed.
Hannah Davis – Nurse Team Ward Manager/Matron said: “Patients receiving pembrolizumab at the Judy Beard Day Unit can now benefit from a quick one to two minute injection, thanks to the introduction of the new subcutaneous formulation.
“This simple under the skin injection replaces an IV infusion that previously required up to two hours in the unit.
“For patients, that means less time in hospital and more time back at home or doing what matters most.”
Chris Kimber, who was the first patient to receive this treatment, said: “The injection was really easy and didn’t hurt.”
Pembrolizumab is an important immunotherapy used across 14 cancer types, helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.