Cost of cancer drug examined

Expect the debate over expensive prescription drugs to escalate after today's piece in The New York Times about Genentech's cancer drug Avastin. Originally approved to treat colorectal cancer, the drug is gaining favor among oncologists as a treatment for other early-stage cancers. While Avastin appears to be effective at cutting off the flow of blood to tumors, the drug raises economic challenges. A year's supply costs about $50,000 for colon cancer patients and  significantly more for patients with some other cancers.

"Avastin is a superb drug, but its cost is already discouraging patients and doctors from using it," said Vanderbilt University's Dr David Johnson. "I wish it were one-tenth the cost, and if it were I would be giving it to almost everybody."

- see this article from The New York Times

PLUS: Drugs like Avastin throw the choices facing the healthcare system into sharp relief, argues Joe Paduda at Managed Care Matters. Insurers, oncologists and yes, patients, must make difficult choices. What are we willing to pay for an added four months of life? Blog

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