Housecall for Health: Cancer Drug Hearing

The fate of the world’s best-selling cancer drug is hanging in the balance, as the drug’s maker appears before a government panel considering ending its use for one type of cancer.

FOX’s Karlie Pouliot has details in today’s “Housecall for Health”…

The FDA opened a two-day hearing on Tuesday to decide whether to revoke government approval of the drug – Avastin – for use in treating breast cancer.  At the heart of the matter is whether Avastin helps patients live longer, as the drug’s maker, Roche, claims.

Insurance companies could stop covering the pricey drug, which can cost as much as $88,000 for a full year of treatment.  Avastin would still be available for treating other forms of cancer.