Printer Friendly

NBCC applauds FDA decision today to begin process of removing Avastin drug approval

December 16, 2010

The FDA announced today that it is beginning the process of removing breast cancer as an indication for the drug Avastin, because the drug has not been shown to be safe and effective for that use.  The FDA has made this decision after reviewing the results of four clinical studies of Avastin in women with breast cancer that show no improvement in overall survival and insufficient benefit in slowing disease progression to outweigh the significant risks to patients.  The risks include severe high blood pressure; bleeding and hemorrhage; the development of perforations (or “holes”) in the body, including in the nose, stomach, and intestines; and heart attack or heart failure.

 

 

We applaud the FDA for responding to the scientific evidence in the face of significant political and public pressure.  Women deserve  access to treatments that evidence proves effective. We understand how painful it is that we do not yet know how to cure metastatic disease.  But we need to focus advocacy, public policy and resources on saving lives and doing more good than harm.  Today's decision supports that approach.  Read NBCC's statement here.