The FDA has granted Genentech accelerated approval for Avastin (bevacizumab), in combination with paclitaxel, for the treatment of metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer in chemotherapy-naïve patients. The approval was based on a clinical study of 722 patients which showed that Avastin in combination with paclitaxel chemotherapy resulted in a 52% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to those treated with paclitaxel alone. It also showed a doubling in progression-free survival.

Avastin, an angiogenesis inhibitor, is already indicated for the treatment of: metastatic colorectal carcinoma, in combination with 5-FU-based chemotherapy; and first-line treatment of unresectable, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel.

For more information call (800) 821-8590 or visit www.avastin.com.