Avastin

Avastin debate in US exposes flaws of Europe’s health care

By: Alberto Mingardi 05/17/11 10:23 PM

Revocation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of Avastin for the treatment of breast cancer has sparked a degree of controversy in the United States that is disorienting to Europeans. For one thing, Avastin is still endorsed by the European Union. In March, European political authorities confirmed Avastin does enable women with metastatic breast cancer to live an additional several months — or, sometimes, several years. Read More

Avastin decision is a nightmare for many breast cancer patients

By: By Sally C. Pipes 12/27/10 5:50 PM

On Dec. 16, the Food and Drug Administration made a decision that could cause thousands of breast cancer patients to lose their last hope. That day, officials voted to revoke approval for Avastin for the treatment of late-stage breast cancer. This move is a disgrace. Read More

‘Death panels’ perilously close to reality

By: SF Examiner Editorial 12/15/10 2:00 AM

On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration could doom thousands of breast cancer victims. The FDA will be considering the unprecedented step of retroactively revoking approval for Avastin, a drug that represents the last hope for women with late-stage breast cancer. About 17,500 women a year are treated with the drug, which cuts off blood flow to tumors. It does not cure cancer, but it does stop its growth and extend life. Read More

Examiner Editorial: Medicare czar faces life-and-death choices

By: Staff report 08/17/10 12:00 AM

Two organizations not known as members of the “vast right-wing conspiracy” are worried that President Barack Obama’s recess-appointed Medicare czar won’t allow the government health care program to cover two Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-cancer drugs with proven records of extending patients’ lives. Read More

What rationing? FDA may may pull approval for cancer drug over cost concerns

By: Staff report 08/15/10 12:00 AM

The Washington Post reports that the FDA is considering revoking approval for Avastin, a late-stage breast cancer drug, largely because they’re worried about over cost concerns: Read More