Avastin may prove to be a leader in fighting Brain Cancer

Researchers conducting phase II trials of Avastin for the treatment of the most aggressive type of brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme. Avastin has been approved by the FDA to be used for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and several types of lung cancer. Avastin is a drug known as a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the growth of tumours by blocking the production of new blood vessels that the tumor needs to survive. This drug which has been described as a "blockbuster" was one of the first angiogenesis inhibitors available in the USA. Phase II of the trials consisted of administering Avastin alone, or coupled with irinotecan chemotherapy in a randomized manner over a 6 month period showed that 36 percent treated with Avastin alone, and 51 percent treated with Avastin had experienced progression-free survival. Progression-free survial is described as the "absence of any event of cancer progression or death" which was significant given that historically only 15 percent of patients from this type of cancer experienced progression-free survival. The researchers are now undertaking steps to discuss these results with the FDA in order to advance in the next steps to get this drug administered to more patients. I find this article fascinating because it shows real promise and advance in the fight against cancer. The drug avastin, although experiencing a small amount of side effects, seems like a less of a brute force method to attacking cancer when compared against common chemotherapy techniques. When scientist and doctors can cure cancer with minimizing the effects of the quality of life on the patient that is when real progress is made.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/89186.php