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Dear Tamera,

Today, FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg announced the revocation of the drug Avastin for treatment of metastatic breast cancer, agreeing with the recent unanimous recommendation of the Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee (ODAC).

Breast Cancer Action supports Dr. Hamburg’s decision to revoke Avastin for metastatic breast cancer based on existing science. Since 2007, BCAction has actively opposed the use of Avastin for metastatic breast cancer patients because of its failure to improve overall survival or quality of life and its serious side effects. 

As a former BCAction board member testified before the FDA panel:

“We all want better treatments for women with metastatic disease. Avastin is simply not that treatment. Women with metastatic disease deserve better.”

Today’s decision is the right one, but it’s not a victory. We will continue to demand and support the approval of more effective, less toxic, and more affordable treatment options for all women with breast cancer. Women deserve more than false hope—they deserve treatments that work. 

Sincerely,

 

Karuna Jaggar

Executive Director