Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
04 June 2015 09:32
Scientists have hailed the potential of the new drug
A new drug could help patients with a devastating form of lung cancer to live longer, it has been suggested.
Nivolumab, an immuno-therapy drug that unshackles the immune system so it can attack cancerous cells, has been shown to double the life expectancy of genetically targeted patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
One expert has described the results of the major international trial as a "paradigm shift" in the battle against lung cancer.
Lung cancer is one of the UK's most serious forms of the disease.
Advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer accounts for around 85% of all cases of the lung disease, which is diagnosed in 43,463 new patients and is responsible for 35,371 deaths each year in the UK.
Overseas travel
Like other cancers, treatment depends on how far it has spread and how good your general health is.
But whether you are a cancer survivor or are undergoing treatment, cancer travel insurance means you can still enjoy jetting off to sunnier climes around the world with family and friends.
Policies can include cover for replacing lost medication and access to 24/7 emergency assistance.
Longer life expectancy
The new research, led by Dr Luis Paz-Ares, from the Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocio in Spain, compared the effectiveness of nivolumab and the standard chemotherapy drug docetaxel in 582 patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
Nivolumab reduced the risk of dying by 27% compared with docetaxel and increased typical survival time from 9.4 to 12.2 months.
In patients whose cancers produced higher levels of a tumour protein called PD-L1, survival time more than doubled from eight to 19.4 months.
Dr David Chao, consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London, described the findings as a paradigm shift in the treatment of lung cancer.
08 July 2019
Tired of the same old travel options? Explore the best travel experiences at one of these weird and wacky festivals from around the world.
[more...]
Heading to the beach? Pack everything you need for the whole family by following this simple checklist.
05 July 2019
Heading off for some sun this summer? Protect your family's skin with these top tips to stay safe in the sun and prevent sunburn and lasting skin damage.
28 June 2019
Tired of paying over the odds for your family's summer holiday? Keep your costs down with our guide on how to get away for less...
Want to see Europe's greatest sport stars go head-to-head? Then head to Minsk! The capital of Belarus hosts this year's European Games – here's everything you need to know before travelling.
Heading to the European Games? Get more from your trip to Minsk by visiting some of these must-see attractions in the capital of Belarus.
Heading to the Austrian Grand Prix this summer? Get more out of your trip to Spielberg's iconic Red Bull Ring circuit with our guide to the local area.
07 June 2019
Thinking about going camping in France this summer but don't know where to try? Here's our quick guide to the best places to camp, whatever you're looking for.
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.
Heading to the showpiece event of women's football in France this summer? Here's everything you need to know about England's venues for France 2019.