Breast Cancer Avastin Update

This afternoon Ed Silverman of Pharmalot reports that Roche has proposed a compromise to the FDA over Avastin’s use in women with metastatic breast cancer. The drug would be approved for use only in combination with paclitaxel (Taxol), for which the data are strongest, and with special warnings.

He writes:

The deal includes revised labeling in which Avastin would be recommended only for patients displaying “aggressive disease” and who have the fewest treatment options. Roche also suggests a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, as well as a Medication Guide.

This sounds like a reasonable solution. As I have considered elsewhere, the FDA commissioner’s decision is pending.

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• New Data for Avastin (Bevacizumab)
• Get Cancer. Lose Your Job?