Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
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.
06 January 2020
Get the most out of your 2020 getaway with our top holiday planning tips.
[more...]
Discover a new passion this winter with one of these alternative winter sports.
Stay safe out on the slopes with our 5 top safety tips for winter sports...
Is learning a language your new year's resolution? Try one of these interactive apps to help you on your way.
20 December 2019
Take to the slopes in 2020 at one of our favourite winter sport destinations...
Join us on a quick culinary tour to see what the world will be feasting on over the festive period...
19 December 2019
Think nice rather than naughty, with our tips to making the most of a Christmas getaway with the kids...
Tackle the trials and tribulations of Christmas travel with our easy to follow tips.
02 December 2019
Turn Christmas traditions on their head and treat yourself to the present of a festive season away from home.
Reduce your screen time and commit to some me time at some of our favourite detox destinations.
09 December 2019
We asked for the tale behind tea and found ourselves more infused than ever.
Marvel at views of the world's most spectacular peaks.