Health: FDA Avastin Ruling
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A significant set back for the world's top selling cancer drug. The FDA says it should not be used for breast cancer patients. Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl is here now with details on this much anticipated ruling.
This is being called a preliminary step in revoking the drug Avastin for breast cancer, which is what the advisory committee had voted for. Today's action is a recommendation to doctors saying they shouldn't prescribe the drug.
41-year-old Pam McCabe is hoping Avastin will give her some extra time with her sons. She has a deadly form of breast cancer, and was upset about the prospect of the drug being revoked when we spoke to her last week. She had this message for the FDA.
"Hey tell my boys when I die that you couldn't, ya know I couldn't stay on something to help prolong my life. You explain that to them, why mom died so soon," said Pam.
Avastin stops blood flow to tumors. It's used for a variety of cancers. But follow-up studies on breast cancer patients show it's not life saving and the risks outweigh any potential benefits.
"It has not proven to be what it has promised to be at the beginning. No scientific studies have shown that Avastin increases overall survival for women with metastatic breast cancer," said Kim Irish, with Breast Cancer Action.
Priscilla Howard is among 9,500 people who signed a petition to the FDA, hoping to keep Avastin available for breast cancer patients.
"It's working for me. It's been working for me for two years. According to the oncological committee I should be dead. I'm not, I'm still doing everything I want to do and being with my family," said Priscilla.
While Avastin will remain available for now, it's unclear if it will still be covered by insurance, and most women couldn't afford it.
The maker of the drug is refusing to voluntarily withdrawal it, and says it will fight the FDA decision.
The FDA actions only affect Avastin's use for breast cancer, not other cancers.
Reported By: Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3
