F.D.A. Criticizes Avastin Use for Breast Cancer

Avastin has demonstrated PFS in first line metastatic breast cancer Avastin remains in a non approved status for breast cancer Avastin is very expensive and therefore scrutinized to the max

Should the cost of a drug make a decision of an official authority more strict?

“On face value the data look very good,” said Buzdar, who voted with the slim (5-4) majority against the drug. In the study that was the basis of Genentech’s application, Avastin appeared to slow the progress of the disease. advanced breast cancer who had already tried other drugs. He said he’s never used Avastin to treat breast cancer, but he knows other doctors do, despite the lack of FDA’s blessing....

The FDA has rejected use of Avastin in metastatic breast cancer as I anticipated! http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071205/genentech_avastin.html

While the drug Avastin improves time to disease progression, it does not prolong survival and is associated, in the FDA's view, undue toxicity.