Posts by Robin Sanchez2

During the period we were running combination chemo with Avastin, there was some actual improvement—the tumor actually shrank. After that, everything just stopped. But now, after a break of several months, the latest scans are showing that things have taken a turn for the worse.

The Erbitux/EGFR line of treatment is off the table because the K-RAS test came back positive for mutated cells.

Who exactly should I be reaching out to at Roche regarding purchasing Avastin? I'm wondering if they only have their main headquarters in Washington, D.C. (and if so, who specifically handles those inquiries), or if they have local field representatives available for discussion? I live in a small town, so I’m hoping there might be someone closer to my area.

It is somewhat encouraging to think there might be a way to negotiate for multiple doses. However, as I mentioned before, the hospital oncologists are refusing to write prescriptions for various reasons. I suppose that leads me to wonder... which private oncologists actually have the authority to write such prescriptions here in the US?
(I'm looking at the Cleveland or California areas, or even Washington, D.C., if necessary)

It seems clear to me that the Avastin isn't having much of an effect on its own. My thought process is this: if the insurance commission denies coverage for Avastin alongside regular chemo (though they probably won't deny standard cytostatics), I might try to source it myself and bring it into the hospital. It’s usually administered last in the infusion sequence, right after the standard cocktail of cytostatics is finished.

Angela Wright, thank you for sharing this information. I was wondering if you, or perhaps anyone else here, might have any insight into the possibility of sourcing a drug like this from abroad or within the surrounding regions? (Maybe Canada, Italy, Germany, Austria, Canada, Mexico, North Mexico, Canada, or the Czech Republic?)

Hello everyone.

A family member has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver.

The treatment plan currently involves a cocktail of cytostatics combined with a targeted drug called Avastin.

We saw some initial improvement, but unfortunately, the disease has taken a turn for the worse regarding the size of the metastases.

Now, I understand that Avastin is a medication that requires specific approval from a commission.

If we run into a situation where it isn't approved, is it actually possible to obtain it privately here in the US?

I've heard that it might not be feasible—supposedly, only hospital physicians can issue private prescriptions, but they are strictly prohibited from doing so. The reasoning is that it leaves them vulnerable to lawsuits. A patient could potentially sue their hospital, claiming, "You didn't provide the expensive medication I am entitled to; you're just saving money by telling me it doesn't work anymore, yet by issuing a private prescription, you're essentially proving that the drug still has efficacy in my case and you were just cutting costs on me and everyone else!"

Then you have the media coverage, the legal battles, and all that, which effectively makes obtaining the drug privately nearly impossible.

So, how does one navigate this within the US healthcare system?

And if it can't be done here, how would one go about getting it abroad?

And where?

I realize this is an incredibly expensive treatment, but I assume the price fluctuates. Would it vary whether you are looking within the US or perhaps in a neighboring country?
Does anyone happen to have any information regarding prices, locations, or the necessary procedures?

I would truly appreciate any information you might have.