FDA Approves Avastin To Treat Brain Cancer

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to Roche's cancer drug Avastin as a treatment for glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, Genentech Inc. said Wednesday.

Avastin was developed by Genentech and sold through a partnership with Roche. Switzerland-based Roche agreed to buy Genentech in March.

The FDA sped up its review process because it has been more than 10 years since a new treatment for glioblastoma was approved, according to Genentech. The approval is based on the drug's ability to achieve a partial or complete response in clinical trials. Genentech said there is currently no data showing the drug reduces symptoms or improves survival.

The company is also planning a late stage trial of Avastin as a treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The company said about 10,000 people in the U.S. have glioblastoma, and tumors usually come back after initial treatment.

Avastin is approved a treatment for various forms of colon, breast and lung cancers. Last month, the company said the drug failed to stop early stage colon cancer.