Avastin in the News

[Whippit]

An article on a campaign to keep Avastin in use for the treatment of Ovarian Cancer.

dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

[HumbleD]

Good to see and read a well written and concise article on Avastin. What would make NICE reconsider?

Love Wendy x

[Whippit in reply to HumbleD]

I understand the problem to be that NICE evaluated Avastic (Bevacizumab) on the basis of the USA trials which were based on a 15 mg dosage whereas trials were subsequently conducted in the UK with a 7 mg and this in effect halves the cost of treatment.

According to Roche, who manufacture the drug, NICE are refusing to reevaluate the drug because their constitution forbids them to do so. I can see why it is not acceptable for drugs companies to manipulate doses to meet the £30k value put on a year's extra life but in this case it is because British research found the lesser dose was equally effective.

Unfortunately nobody from NICE was around the table at the APPG when this was discussed.

I do hope this campaign is successful. I realised too late that I was eligible under the NCDF and from a medical point of view it was appropriate but I missed the opportunity because I lived in the wrong postcode. Hopefully this campaign will lead to it being added to the NICE approved standard drugs.

Important to mention though that the drug isn't medically suitable for everyone so merely being eligible under the NCDF is not adequate enough rationale to recommend it.

xx Annie

[HumbleD in reply to Whippit]

Hi Annie, thank you for this comprehensive reply. Good to have this knowledge to hand.

Love Wendy xx

[Hidden]

Great if NICE would reconsider, but I cant get my head around the fact that other drugs such as Tamoxifen has claimed to slow down this disease for those who have oestregen receptive cancer and the cost of this is £3.80. per month and yet NICE guidelines suggest it is used when chemo is no longer effective. To me it should be used as maintenance post 1st line chemo and given to those who do not get Avastin. The medical profession seem to be blinded by other trials and tests. Love Paul xx

[Whippit in reply to Hidden]

Well, I think there are theories that we as patients and carer don't understand. I'm sure if the remedy was easy the leviathans of medical science across the world would have discovered it by now but it might be worth popping your suggestion in an email and see what they say?

I hope Sandra continues to feel well and you're enjoying a lovely weekend.

Best wishes. Annie

[Hidden in reply to Whippit]

I dont understand why such a cheap drug, which may only work for a small percentage of ladies is not given on the off chance it may prolong a remission period. What joy it would bring if it extended remission by 6 months compared to Avastin that claims only 4 mths. My reasoning is based on Sandra, why use something at the end of the chemo journey if it is not any good, and if it is any good then why not use it earlier. It defies logic. But heyho, what do I know about this complex process. Love Paul xxx

[vipervictoria in reply to Hidden]

Paul, has Sandra had Avastin? If not, would she give it a try? I have been told that for me it would be a last resort. But I am not in recurrence, touch wood, and I might be one of the lucky ones... I thinking in CD terms here, if you see what I mean...

[Dyana]

I have oestrogen driven tumours and I asked why I wasn't given Tamaxofen, i was told it was because I was thin and wouldn't be making oestrogen . I think I will ask again. The whole issue on Avastin needs sorting out and I get angry on so many levels ! Dx

[Hidden in reply to Dyana]

Hi there .. That makes sense doesn't it .. except when I went to see a MacMillan nurse last year about my weight and who knew nothing about my medical history, she said to not worry about weight as with cancer, it's best to have weight on. Wouldn't it be best if tumours were routinely tested to see if they are oestrogen sensitive and then to advise over weight people to lose it a bit. I find it strange that at least one slim, post-menopausal woman is being prescribed Tamoxifen and is responding. All very strange and confusing. Love Tina x x

[Shazican]

Here's hoping something comes from this , I've got a story in the Daily Mail , i think its tomorrow regarding it in Scotland .. We just have to keep fighting it and maybe we can turn things around , we can live in hope lol xx

[Whippit in reply to Shazican]

I'm really pleased that came off Sharon. I have a telephone interview the Western Mail tomorrow. We must keep virtual clips of all the TV appearances and newspaper articles to gather together a picture of what's going on in the smaller regions of the UK.

I was going to email you a copy of what my report from Wales will say to the APPG on Wednesday then realised we never got round to swapping email addresses. If you let me have yours I'll forward it.

I don't see why you couldn't send a report to Target by Wednesday to be read out on behalf of patients in Scotland. Same goes for Una in N Ireland. xxxx

Love Annie