Weekly Medical Tips

The FDA voted against 'Avastin' a drug for breast cancer treatment

There appears to be a lot of controversy about the drug and many women have found that the drug has prolong their lives. This cancer drug is the best selling treatment around the world. The FDA does not want the drug to used on breast cancer patients. A panel of cancer experts have ruled against the drug for treating breast cancer patients and this will cause the government to remove its endorsements from the drug. Patients can still get the drug, but most likely their insurance will not cover the cost. The FDA has stated that "Avastin does not help breast cancer patients live longer or have an overall better life, but instead the drug can be fatal with cardiovascular problems and other side effects. Medicare will still cover payment for Avastin for breast cancer patients and hopefully private insurance will follow suit.

CBC Los Angeles. (June 29, 2011). FDA Panel Votes Against Avastin For Breast Cancer Treatment. Retrieved July 1. 2011, from   FDA Panel Votes Against Avastin For Breast Cancer Treatment « CBS Los Angeles

Staton, T. (July 1, 2011). Medicare won't drop Avastin for breast cancer. Retrieved July 1, 2011, from
 Medicare won't drop Avastin for breast cancer - FiercePharma

Zwillich, T. (June 29, 2011). FDA Panel Opposes Avastin for Breast Cancer. Retrieved July 1, 2011, from FDA Panel Opposes Avastin for Breast Cancer