FDA Approves Drug for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
Contact: Christina Koenig
Breast Cancer Network of Strength
312-294-8534
ckoenig@networkofstrength.org
CHICAGO February 23, 2008 -- Please note: Breast Cancer Network of Strength does not endorse specific products, treatments or protocols. Y-ME was erroneously quoted in the first version of an Associated Press article that was distributed and republished in many news outlets. To see the corrected version of the story, please view this link: FDA Clears Avastin for Breast Cancer
After some controversy, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved Avastin® (generic name: bevacizumab) for use in first-line metastatic breast cancer patients in combination with the chemotherapy drug Taxol® (paclitaxel) on February 22, 2008.
The issue was controversial because Genetech, the manufacturer of Avastin, based its research on stopping tumor growth (also known as progression-free survival) as opposed to overall survival or extending life expectancy. Those who could benefit from Avastin are metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer patients who have not received chemotherapy.
The drug was designed to specifically inhibit angiogenesis, a process that connects tumors to the blood supply. The FDA previously had approved its use only in advanced colon and lung cancer.
As always, Breast Cancer Network of Strength recommends that an individual concerned about a medication should consult with her or his physician.
"Speaking on behalf of the thousands of patients we’re in contact with through Breast Cancer Network of Strength and our 24-hour hotline, progression-free benefits do matter,” said Margaret C. Kirk, CEO ofBreast Cancer Network of Strength. “Progression-free survival gives people hope that if they stay healthy long enough, another big gun will be available to help them fight their cancer.”
"Most people facing this option are not new to breast cancer and we believe that they, with their medical team, can make informed choices about their treatments,” Kirk added.