The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance today (18 December) on the use of bevacizumab ( Avastin , Roche) as a treatment for women with advanced ovarian cancer. The draft guidance does not recommend the use of bevacizumab when used with paclitaxel and carboplatin for people with advanced disease, as a cost-effective treatment for the NHS. This draft guidance has now been issued for consultation: NICE has not yet published final guidance to the NHS. The Institute is aware that UK clinical practice is to prescribe bevacizumab at a d...

Roche announced that the European Commission has approved Avastin ( bevacizumab ) in combination with standard chemotherapy ( carboplatin and paclitaxel ) as a front-line (first-line following surgery) treatment for women with advanced ovarian cancer.