Avastin and 2nd line chemo, Aurelia trial?

[Phuket]

Hi there

I'm on 2nd line weekly Taxol for recurrance 2 months after end of first line treatment.

I am considering whether to self fund Avastin to be added to the Taxol. My oncologist has said that the benefit will be minimal and may not delay the progression much and has pointed me in the direction of the Aurelia trial results.

Is there anyone her who either took part in the Aurelia trial and had the Avastin or anyone who has had Avastin along with 2nd line chemo?

If so what were the results? Do you feel with Avastin was worth the risk (given high side effects?)

Thank you!

[Lindaura]

I did not take part in this trial and cannot have Avastin because if it’s side effects, but research has turned up not too much evidence of its benefit and a lot of unwanted and dangerous side effects, particularly bowel perforations, which can be deadly.

Weekly Taxol has been shown to have a pretty good track record, so I would stick with that.

I myself am on Caelyx and Carboplatin for my first recurrence.

I am doing well and I hope you are, too.

Best wishes,

Laura

[Purple-iris]

Hi

So sorry to hear you are back on chemo so soon after finishing your frontline, this disease is so cruel.

Are you in the UK ? If so I would suggest you call Anna on the Ovacome support line to discuss the different protocols and options for maintenance following 2 nd line chemo eg Avastin or PARPS also the pros and cons of self funding.

The important thing is that you have confidence in your team and your treatment plan so if you are unsure you can always ask for a second opinion ( The Royal Marsden London or Christie Manchester are both good )

We are all individuals and respond differently to the treatment and that’s what makes this cancer so difficult to treat. I had Avastin for a year after my frontline chemo and found it very manageable and have been NED for 2 years ( stage 4) . Will never know if it was due to the avastin or not ! They delayed me starting it until they were sure there was no disease near my bowel due to the risk of perforations. If/when I need more treatment I’d probably give it another go but would be very expensive to self fund if not on a trial. If you google Aurelia trial you can read the results summary.

I hope you get the reassurance you need and the weekly taxol gets you back to remission.

Love and best wishes Kim x💜

[Hidden]

Hi Phuket. I was diagnosed 3c in Nov 2011. My 1st remission was for 18 months. I was then given carbo/caelyx/avastin for 6 months, with avastin continuing as maintenance indefinitely while I remained in remission and as long as no problem side effects (It's a trial).

More than 4 years later and I'm still having the avastin infusions every 3 weeks. My only side-effects are raised blood pressure (have to take pills to keep it down) and sneezing with a runny nose (mostly in the morning and when I eat). It's been a wonder drug for me. I know it doesn't agree with everyone but I have a friend who's also been on avastin for > 3 years: she's self-funding and is very happy with avastin. I am all praise for it.

I know nothing about Aurelia but I'm surprised your onc would say that benefits of Avastin would be minimal. Good luck. Pauline.

[Phuket]

Thank you for your replies.