In the News: EU approves Roche’s Avastin for platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer

[TheOvacomeTeam]

You can read in full here:

roche.com/media/media_relea...

if you have any questions please call our helpline on 02072996650.

Best wishes,

The Ovacome Team.

[HumbleD]

What does this mean for women with platinum-resistant OC in the UK?

[TheOvacomeTeam Partner in reply to HumbleD]

Up till now Avastin has only been licensed for use in 1st line and platinum sensitive relapse disease. This announcement means that the license is extended to include those with Platinum resistant disease but only for 1st or 2nd treatment. Avastin is still only available via the Cancer Drugs Fund in England for use in 1st line treatment and platinum relapse disease but they will be meeting to discuss this new license in September. We will keep you informed when we hear any news

We hope that clarifies the situation. If you have any further queries do phone us on 0207 2996650

Best Wishes

The Ovacome Team

[HerThing in reply to TheOvacomeTeam]

Hmmm, I thought the announcement said it was available for those who had not had any more than two previous chemotherapy regimens (though I will re read it)...wouldn't that imply it was now available as treatment at second recurrence for those with platinum resistant disease who had not had Avastin previously?

[TheOvacomeTeam Partner in reply to HerThing]

We are waiting for clarification on this point and will let you know as soon as we here

The Ovacome Team

[Hidden]

I really cannot understand why the NHS wont approve Avastin in certain areas and under certain criteria. Surely, everyone has a right to live as long as possible. I am lucky enough to be able to avail of it with little side effects.

[TheOvacomeTeam Partner]

I hope this reply will give some clarification to the matter.

It is licensed for use in 1st line treatment when surgery has been not been able to remove all the cancer

For 2nd line treatment it has already been licensed for those who have platinum sensitive ovarian cancer if they have not had Avastin or a similar drug as part of their 1st line treatment. The new area is that it has now been licensed for 2nd line treatment in those who have platinum resistant disease as long as they have not had Avastin or similar before.

The other new area is in 3rd line treatment when Avastin can be used for someone whose cancer is not sensitive to Platinum and has not had Avastin or a similar drug before.

We hope that this makes things clearer, but if there are any questions do please give our support line a ring on 02072996650

Best Wishes

The Ovacome Team