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An advisory has been issued after the colorectal cancer drug Avastin was linked to the development of a rare, potentially fatal problem with the esophagus.
Health Canada approved the use of Avastin or bevacizumab, in combination with other drugs, to extend the lives of people with colorectal cancer that has spread to other sites.
In an advisory Tuesday, the department said use of Avastin and other cancer treatments has been linked with the development of tracheo-esophageal fistulas - abnormal connections between the esophagus (the tube from the throat to stomach) and the trachea (the windpipe), which normally remain separate.

The original article can be found at: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/06/12/avastin-esophagus.html?ref=rss

The original article can found in the Media Doctor archives.

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what we said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

The symptoms and warning about tracheo-esophageal fistulas associated with bevacizumab are described well. But, not including the number of patients who did not have significant adverse events, or the evidence on the successful treatment of colon cancer compared to other treatment options. This prevents the reader from assessing whether the "potentially fatal" adverse events with bevacizumab are worth the risk.

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