Avastin treatments.

[AndreeP]

How long is the longest anyone has been on Avastin for maintenance? In Canada the government will pay for 12 treatments, but not more as there is no clinical proof that it remains effective after this period. I know women can continue treatment through other funded methods (clinical trials, private insurance etc). I’ve had my 12 treatments and and going through the process to see if my private insurance will pay for the continuation, but I wonder how long this could go on for?

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi AndreeP, in the UK the NHS offers 18 treatments. It seems a good drug but there may not be enough evidence (yet) to suggest how long ladies should/could be on it...BW, Linda x

[Etakeloop]

Here in Australia it is 18 treatments too. Unfortunately the day I was having my 18th dose I was told I was having a recurrence. Ho hum such is the nature of the beast

[Maus123]

Hiya. I've only just started my own 3-weekly Avastin journey, but my oncologist told me this week our goal is to keep it as maintenance treatment for as long as I can bear it. Open end.

NB/edit: That's in Germany though; our insurance cover may differ from yours.

All the best. Maus

[Davonian in reply to Maus123]

Can I ask is this state provided or through private health insurance?

[AndreeP in reply to Davonian]

Hi , this is provincial government provided, I’m in Canada. I’m not sure what other provinces offer in Canada, but in Ontario it is 12 treatments

[Maus123 in reply to Davonian]

Mine is through German state insurance. Apology if the question was meant for AndreeP. All the best, Maus

[LittleSan]

I was on Avastin for nearly three years for maintenance after first recurrence. This was before the NHS stopped funding it for recurrence.

Hope all goes well for you. X

[AndreeP]

I agree. I’m lucky though that I am dealing with Princess Margaret hospital in Toronto which is number 1 and top 10 internationally for research.

[Lily-Anne]

I’ve been told that if I am doing ok and continue to pay then it’s up to 18. The reason I don’t know

LA xx

[Hidden]

Hi Andree. I'm in Australia & was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to get onto an Avastin trial which is indefinite (for 2nd line), as long as my CA125 stays down, no urine or BP problems & no difficult side effects. It's been a God-send for me. I had it for the first 6 months with Carbo/Caelyx, then continuing as maintenance. It's kept me in remission for more than 3 years now. That's around 60 infusions, 3-weekly. There is someone else on here who's had around 74 infusions. Best wishes. Pauline.