Avastin seen as helpful against deadly brain tumor

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Published at: www.reuters.com

A possible step forward for patients with brain tumor

October 29, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Pahse-III randomized trials are urged to hoopefully confirmed these data. Should that be the case, even brighter future in sight for avastin.

Avastin - hope for brain tumor patients?

October 29, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

The news published in www.reuters.com has highlighted the increasing life chances for brain tumor patients after the treatment with Avastin. The report was based on a pilot sample of 35 patients with relapse of brain tumor after chemotherapy and radiation failed to cure, indicating  the need for an additional drug therapy, Avastin could take such place. The report has however, warned about the dreadful side-effects which may be more fatal (increase the chances of blood clots in the legs and lungs and inhibit normal wound-healing so patients cannot have surgery for anything else) than the short-term recovery prospect. What hope brain tumor patients will have for Avastin ? For further information see GLG news.

Jon StrasserAssistant Professor of Radiation OncologyTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

Initial Avastin data interesting

October 25, 2007

Glioblastoma multiforme are one of the worst tumors one can have - period.   Even with aggressive surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, most of these patients succumb to their disease within 1 year.   Initial results of Avastin + Irinotecan look promising as a second line regimen.   Look for avastin use to increase, probably off label, given the impressive results.    However, phase III data will be necessary for this to become standard.    

Avastin (Genentech) shows potential in second line treatment of gliobastoma multiforme brain cancer

October 25, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

This reports on a small scale pilot study of combination therapy with Avastin and Irinotecan in patients with an aggressive brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, who have already failed standard treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Although comparing only to historical controls, the results are impressive and virtually unprecedented in this patient population with a uniformly dismal outlook. For example, the 6 month PFS of 47% compares to the published PFS in this setting of 21%. Although there was significant toxicity to the regimen, it was considered acceptable given the poor prognosis of these patients generally.

Avastin and Irinotecan prolongs survival in recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme

October 24, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Genentech's Avastin , when combined with Irinotecan ( Pharamcia Upjohn) produced quite impressive 6-months survival ( 77 %) and PFS ( 46 %) in a small group pf patients with recurrent GBM, a usually highly fatal disaese. Role of Avastin would be in combination with the only approved agent ( Temodar) for frontline treatment and will be used in recurrent cases

Avastin + Chemo has + effect in Glioblastomas (GBM) in a phase II trial

October 23, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Genentech (and patients) hope that Avastin + chemotherapy will show survival benefit in this disastrous neoplasm.

Michael GrossbardProfessor of Clinical MedicineCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS

Avastin For Glioblastoma: Too Early to Call

October 23, 2007

New therapies are needed for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.  Surgery, radiation and temozolamide remain the mainstay of treatment.  Results from the current pilot study suggest that Avastin may have efficacy in GBM.