Dr. Brufsky Advises Doctors on Avastin for Breast Cancer

Adam Brufsky, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, associate chief of hematology-oncology, and co-director of the Comprehensive Breast Center at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, discusses the use of bevacizumab (Avastin) for breast cancer patients.

Brufsky explains that the most important advice he can give to other doctors is to use their clinical judgment and do what is right for their patients. Doctors should not succumb to pressure from the community or insurance companies and should do what is best for the patient.

While bevacizumab should not be given to every breast cancer patient it does hold benefits for some. HER2-neu triple-negative breast cancer has limited treatment options and using bevacizumab may be the best therapy available. Reimbursement may become an issue now that the indication has been revoked.

In closing Brufsky adds that doctors should not be scared away by a governmental organization, which he describes as having a different agenda than doctors.