Avestin study

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Yochy
Yochy Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Hi girls, I am new here.

Diagnosed 6 weeks ago with IDC had lumpectomy 3 weeks ago and now waiting for my chemo.

I am HER2 neg but my ER and PR were unclear.They have been sent for repeated pathology.

Meanwhile, my oncologist offered me to join a study on Avestin for breast cancer.

So here is my question-

I read up on the hazards of Avestin - looks bad.

So what is the upside? is there enough benefit for me in taking the Avestin to justify the risks? Can anyone help me understand the reduced recurrence risk contributed by the Avestin or any other related benefits?

Anyone out there on this same study?

 Yochy.

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  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited December 2008

    Yochy,

    I would find out more information about why your Oncologist thinks that you would be a candidate for Avastin so that you can make an informed decision.  Ask him/her about why they think you should be on this.  It's not standard therapy.  There is some data out there to support the use of Avastin for metastatic breast cancer (in combination with other drugs), but I have no idea about using it in a newly diagnosed patient.  You'll have to ask more questions until you are satisfied that you've been given enough info to make an informed decision.   You should also how often they will be giving it and for how long. 

    With that being said, I can tell you that my husband has been on Avastin for over two years.  He has a brain tumor.  He has had very few issues with it.  He's had a couple of times where the protein in his urine was too high, or his creatinine ratio was off, so they would wait an extra week and check it again.  For him, the infusion takes about a half hour to get. 

    Good luck in finding your answers.

    Bobbie

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  • scrappy_survivor
    scrappy_survivor Member Posts: 149
    edited December 2008

    I was offered to take part in this study to. The therory is that for a new tumor to grow it needs a blood supply. The drug stops new blood vessels from growing. therefore no new food for the new tumor to grow because there is no blood supply. I researched it discussed it with my sister who is an RN & her best friend who is an RN who had / has breast cancer & I agreed to take part. I am awaiting acceptance. HUGS to you & best of luck in making your decision.

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  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
    edited December 2008

    Hi there.

    I just completed a clinical trial--E5301 with Avastin.  I recieved the drug with DD A/C and taxol and then went on to recieve 10 more treatments with Avastin alone.  I had very few side effects, mostly had issues with my sinuses.  On the "help me get through treatment" forum there is a section on this trial.  You should go there and read it.  There is several of us on that forum and lots of discussion on side effects and everything.  My personal belief and that of my oncologist is that this treatment will be used widely in the years to come. 

    Teresa

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  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited December 2008

    I started using Avastin three years ago out side of a trial.  I have a total of nine months using this drug with NO side effects.  First time help clear skin mets with Carbo and Gemzar.  Used again this year same combo.  With no results.  Now on Ixempra & Xeloda.

    The only reason you can not get it out side of trials, is because you all have early disease.  Right now it is only approved for mets. Do no fear this chemo it is very easy drug to take.  The only ladies I know have problems are the ones using it after numerous other chemos.  The body is already in a weakened state. Insurance companies don't like the use of this drug at $10,000 to 15,000 per treatment.

    Flalady

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  • Keryl
    Keryl Member Posts: 230
    edited December 2008

    As Teresa said there is a long thread on Help Me get Through Treatment with many individuals participating and reporting their experience, including myself. I am on this trial and have had few side effects, though I dont really know what is from chemo vs. what might be avastin. I could also be placebo, but either way, I believe in utilizing my full arsenal of weapons and my oncologist was very informative about what he felt the real risk to be. He has a lot of experience with this trail. Frankly, the risks of chemo are greater, but risks that I feel I need to take to protect my life. With avastin, you can always stop. There is strong evidence that this is the direction of the future treatment generations.  They give you a phone book size list of risks as they are required to report any and all experiences, but I have not run into anyone that has had that occur.

    Everyone has to make their own decision, but I would seriously consider.

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  • Yochy
    Yochy Member Posts: 2
    edited December 2008

    Thank you all for this informative and supportive advice.

    I see my onc tomorrow and hope to clear up on this decision. Frankly, the additional stress this decision has added does not suite me right now... I am concerned with recurrence on one hand and with the dangers of Avestin on the other.

    I will let you know about my meeting tomorrow evening.

    Good night until then, Yochy

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