FDA Disproves Avastin As Breast Cancer Treatment

Transcript by (www.newsy.com) BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN You’re watching multisource health video news analysis from Newsy. In what some are calling a high-profile snub — the FDA says the best-selling drug Avastin should no longer be used to treat breast cancer. “The government says recent studies show the drug does not slow the progress of the disease, and can cause dangerous side effects including high blood pressure and hemorrhaging.” (WHTM) But many in the medical community disagree with the FDA’s decision — with some charging this has more to do with Avastin’s cost than its effectiveness. In commentary for Forbes — Sally Pipes calls the recommendation a – quote – “fatal move” by the FDA. We should note, though, that the article is sponsored by insurance company Northwestern Mutual. (Pipes writes…) “The truth is that Avastin is expensive. However, many American women are getting something priceless in return for those dollars life and vitality. … if the FDA revokes Avastin’s approval, public insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare could decide to refuse coverage of the treatment.” Still others, like Fox News medical contributor Marc Siegel, are concerned the FDA was too hasty in its recommendation — and ignored the fact Avastin DOES work for some. “I think it’s a precursor to rationing. I think it’s a soft call. The science is here to back this up. … Survival is not the only end point, what about quality of life? … There are super responders to this drug …
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