New cancer medication shows doubled survival rates in clinical trial.

A breakthrough cancer drug has shown promising results in a clinical trial, potentially doubling survival rates for patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

The immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab, is the first significant advancement in treatment for this type of cancer in 20 years. When administered before and after surgery, it helps the body's immune system learn to attack the cancer if it returns. The trial involved over 350 patients who were given pembrolizumab as part of their treatment, and the results show that it doubles the average time patients remain cancer-free, from 2.5 to five years. Moreover, it reduces the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body by 10% after three years. Laura Marston, a patient who underwent the treatment, shares her story of being given a 30% chance of survival and how the immunotherapy has significantly improved her quality of life. The researchers behind the study suggest that this treatment could benefit hundreds of thousands of patients and potentially change the landscape of treatment for head and neck cancer.
BBC