Drug Might Not Help Early Stage Colon Cancer

Researchers from Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) say a drug that's been approved to treat advanced colorectal, breast and lung cancer might not be effective in dealing with early stage colon cancer. Avastin interferes wit the growth of cancer cells by cutting off blood flow to the tumors. Dr. Norman Wolmark, the principal investigator for AGH's Department of Human Oncology, says they had hoped that using Avastin in early stage colon cancer would improve the survival rate, but it did not. However, Dr. Wolmark says the drug might be more effective if administered for more than 1 year. Researchers reported their findings yesterday at a national conference in Orlando.