7 min lung cancer injection launched in India
Updated: May 19th, 2026
India has introduced a new cancer treatment that could make therapy easier and faster for many lung cancer patients, as per reports. Roche Pharma India has launched a new injection version of its immunotherapy drug Tecentriq, which can be given in just seven minutes.
Earlier, patients had to receive the medicine through IV infusion, a process that often took several hours in hospitals. The new seven-minute injection is reportedly given under the skin, usually in the thigh, helping patients spend less time in hospitals and making treatment more comfortable, especially for elderly patients and those travelling long distances.
The treatment is mainly for people suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer in India, as per reports. However, not every patient can receive this therapy. Doctors first test whether the tumour has high levels of a protein called PD-L1.
Patients with higher PD-L1 levels are more likely to benefit from the treatment because the medicine works by blocking this protein, allowing the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells, cited the reports.
Tecentriq reportedly contains atezolizumab, an immunotherapy drug that strengthens the body’s natural defence system instead of directly attacking cells like chemotherapy. Doctors say immunotherapy often causes fewer severe side effects and has shown good results in slowing cancer growth.
The biggest concern, however, is the high cost. One dose reportedly costs nearly ₹3.7 lakh, and many patients may need around six doses depending on their condition.
The treatment is expensive because immunotherapy drugs require years of scientific research, advanced technology, and complex manufacturing processes.
To help patients, the company has introduced a support programme called “Blue Tree” and also included the medicine under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Despite affordability concerns, experts believe this new injection is an important step forward in cancer care in India.
