FDA Approves Avastin for Specific Type of Ovarian Cancer

• Amanda Bridges
• December 8, 2016
• News

The FDA granted approval to Avastin in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (psOC), representing the first new treatment option for women with psOC in the U.S. in more than a decade [press release].

Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other gynecological cancer in the U.S., and in 2016, about 22,200 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. and about 14,200 will die from the disease. Women with ovarian cancer are considered to have “platinum-sensitive” disease if a relapse occurs six months or longer following the last treatment with a platinum-based chemotherapy. About half of those who relapse after initial treatment – over 8,000 women – will have psOC.

 With today’s approval, Avastin is now approved in the U.S. for nine distinct uses across six different types of cancer including two types of gynecological cancer. To learn more about Avastin’s legacy in cancer, including a testimonial from a researcher behind the medicine, visit this story on gene.com.

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