Avastin?

[Spencer2016]

Does anybody know what criteria determines who is prescribed Avistin after first line treatment and who isn't? I'm in US so curious if this is a more common practice in England but not here. When I asked my Onc if I would be having it she simply said no. I didn't push it, but seems to be standard for ladies on this forum.

Thanks,

Anne

[Yoshbosh]

Hi Anne, I think our current guidelines are that you have to be stage 4 or have more than 1cm of residual disease left after the debulking surgery. I only had 'granularity' left behind after my surgery so I didn't qualify as the intention was that chemo would mop up those last bits. Some women are on it as part of a trial or qualified for it before the rules changed. It also seems to vary a bit in Scotland where the commissioning and governance of drugs is slightly different.

Yosh x

[Hidden in reply to Yoshbosh]

Hi Anne.

I got it because I have private healthcare. I had optimal debunking and I'm NED so feel very very lucky to have it. I think others can get it on NHS trials. I strongly feel that EVERYONE should be offered it after 1st line ........

Marian xx

[Spencer2016 in reply to Yoshbosh]

Thanks yosh!

[minard]

Yes. I'm in Scotland. I spoke with my oncologist about Avastin but she advised against it as recent research has suggested a strong risk of perforated bowel. I didn't push it... but I know lots of people are on it for maintenance x

[Choski in reply to minard]

Agree, from what I've read it is strongly recommended the women are fully informed of the possible side effects - perforated bowel and this doesn't seem to be happening.I

Clare xx

[jdillon]

Hi Anne! I am in the US as well. My first line treatment was carbo/taxol. My CA125 wasn't normalizing as quickly as they had hoped. Just before my 6th round they were going to add Avastin. It took a few weeks, but it was approved by my insurance company. By that time I only had 1 round left so we decided to wait. Consequently, my second line was Avastin/Doxil. Insurance approved with no problems.

From what I understand it all depends on what insurance you have. Avastin is becoming more widely used so it's not as difficult to get approved as it was a year ago. I'm not sure why your oncologist would be against it.....especially as you begin second line.

Hugs!

Jodi

[Spencer2016 in reply to jdillon]

I just finished first line. God willing, don't want to think about any reoccurrence now! But my onc doesn't want me on avistan. She said she customizes treatment and not recommending for me. I don't believe it has anything to do with my insurance, more my onc just doesn't want me on it now. Maybe because I still have blood issues or maybe she has other reasons but I'm not going to push her on this. Leaving well enough alone.

[Hidden]

Hi Ann. I'm in Australia. I'm in remission after 2nd line and have been on avastin for > 2 years. I was just lucky my oc returned at the right time to get onto a clinical trial. My arrangement is that I remain on avastin indefinitely, as long as it's working and as long as the side effects aren't a problem. I have next to nothing by way of side effects, esp if you compare avastin to chemo. I was 3c at diagnosis. Best wishes. Pauline.

[thesilent1]

Hi Anne, although I live in the UK, in Northern Ireland we don't get it as it hasn't been approved by NICE for use in Ovarian Cancer. In England, they have a cancer drugs fund, something similar in Scotland, not certain about Wales but in NI we don't. Don't get too hung up on Avastin though as although it works for some for others it doesn't. Ann x

[Sunnylee]

I was on Avastin for several months. Had tremendous blood pressure issues so removed from treatment. Ct scans were good until March 7. Clear cell ovarian spread to lungs. Now on Taxol. My CA125 is a false negative for me so Ct scans are crucial. Wish avastin was possible but not.

[Spencer2016 in reply to Sunnylee]

I am so sorry to hear this. Hopefully chemo will get you back in remission soon. Stay strong and filled with hope my dear. 🌸🌺🌼

[judyved-US]

HI Anne,

I'm also in the US. After my 18 weeks of chemo, my doctor was thinking of starting me on Avastin, but he decided to hold off and "keep it in his holster" for later use when/if needed.

I'm going on 27 months of remission now.....not bad after having been diagnosed with Stage 4. I am anxiously awaiting my latest ca125 result.....drawn late yesterday (Friday), so will get result on Monday.

I think all the doctors are different, and all patients are different. So, whatever your doctor decides for you will be best for YOU! I wish you the best...........JudyV

[Spencer2016 in reply to judyved-US]

Think my dr is doing the same but didn't want to say it. Think she finally got used to my anxiety. Stay well my friend! 🌺🌼🌸