Dale Brumfield's Back Page piece on Avastin (“Obama's Drug War,” Jan. 19) shows a strong political bias; after doing some research you will see a different perspective. Business Week's article on the subject stated: “Avastin was approved for breast cancer in February 2008 based on preliminary evidence suggesting it slowed disease progression. Two follow-up trials showed Avastin didn't prolong survival in women with breast cancer or improve symptoms, and the drug had a smaller effect on tumor growth than the Food and Drug Administration had expected. The agency decided the benefits didn't outweigh potential risks of serious bleeding, heart attacks and kidney damage.” I believe the FDA is supposed to determine the safety of food and drugs, so it appears it is just doing its job.
Kathy Kurtz
Henrico