Popular Cancer Drug Is Iffy and Expensive

Widely prescribed Avastin doesn't prolong life, studies say

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 6, 2008 10:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – Avastin is one of the most widely prescribed cancer drugs in the world, but it might not work, the New York Times reports. The drug, made by Genentech, brings in about $2.3 billion a year in the US alone, but recent trials have shown that though the drug shrinks tumors in sufferers of colon, breast, and lung cancer, it offers little extension of life.

Further complicating the issue, Avastin is routinely prescribed for cancers for which it's not recommended. But some doctors can’t shake that humanitarian impulse, as Avastin patients have reported a positive quality-of-life change, Medicare dollars be damned. “I can’t say, ‘Let’s not use Avastin; it’s a very expensive drug and I am worried about the cost to society,’" said one physician.

The Genentech Inc. headquarters are seen in South San Francisco, Calif. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)

Exterior view of Genentech Inc. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Loaded boxes are seen in the stockroom of Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche. (AP Photo/Keystone, Martin Ruetschi)

Medicine used in the treatment of advanced lung cancer. (AP Photo/Javier Galeano)

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Popular Cancer Drug Is Iffy and Expensive

Widely prescribed Avastin doesn't prolong life, studies say

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

cancer • breast cancer • lung cancer • prescription drugs • colon cancer • cancer treatment • Avastin • clinical trials

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Dangerous Counterfeit Cancer Drug Found in US

Fake Avastin missing active ingredient

Drug Combos Hailed as Big Breast Cancer Breakthrough

New drug combos delay tumor growth in advanced cases

FDA Drops Approval of Avastin for Breast Cancer

Drug lacks benefits, but side effects are 'life-threatening': commissioner

Evelyn Lauder, Creator of Pink Ribbon, Dead at 75

Cosmetics exec championed breast health before it was cool

Another Study Says Sitting Too Long Ups Cancer Risk

Inactivity linked to greater risk of breast, colon cancer

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