FDA Advisory Panel Backs Avastin for Brain Cancer

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The drug Avastin should be approved to treat patients with the incurable brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme, says a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel.

The 10-0 vote was helped by Roche Holding AG's promise to conduct a large study to collect more definitive data on the drug's benefits, Bloomberg news reported.

An FDA decision on the drug is expected by May 5. The agency usually follows the advice of its advisory panels.

If approved, Avastin would be the first new drug treatment for relapsed brain tumors in more than a decade. Currently, Avastin is approved for treatment of advanced colon, lung and breast cancers, Bloomberg reported.

Each year, about 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme.