Feds Revoke Approval of Life-Prolonging Treatment for Breast Cancer, Insurers Could Bail on Patients

A "chillingly blunt assertion of regulatory power against a drug for breast cancer."


For those unfamiliar, Avastin is a targeted therapy drug used in conjunction with chemotherapy in the treatment of certain advanced cancers — primarily colorectal, kidney, and lung, but also breast cancer. The drug works by restricting the blood supply to tumors. The goal is to starve tumors of the precious blood needed to grow, thus shrinking them. While the drug carries with it serious side effects, it has been proven successful in suppressing tumor growth in various types of cancers.


Now, however, the FDA is revoking its approval of Avastin in the treatment of advanced breast cancer only. This means that doctors can still prescribe the drug to breast cancer patients as they deem fit, but insurers now might not cover the exorbitant cost. A year’s supply of Avastin can cost roughly $100,000.

CONTINUED:  http://www.theblaze.com/stories/feds-revoke-approval-of-life-prolonging-treatment-for-breast-cancer-insurers-could-bail-on-patients/





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