Is Avastin Last Resort for Glioblastoma?

By Robert Palmer

Glioblastoma is a type of brain cancer that is very aggressive and malignant. It is known to be one of the deadliest forms of cancer with a poor prognosis.

Treatments for glioblastoma often include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, even with these treatments, the survival rate for patients with glioblastoma remains low.

Recently, Avastin has been used as a treatment option for glioblastoma. Avastin is a drug that works by blocking the growth of blood vessels in tumors, which can help to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.

However, the use of Avastin as a treatment option for glioblastoma remains controversial. Some doctors believe that Avastin should only be used as a last resort when all other treatment options have failed.

One reason why Avastin is controversial is because it has not been shown to significantly increase overall survival rates in patients with glioblastoma. While some studies have shown that Avastin can help to shrink tumors and improve symptoms, it has not been shown to extend the lives of patients significantly.

Another reason why Avastin is controversial is because it can cause serious side effects. Common side effects of Avastin include high blood pressure, bleeding, blood clots, and gastrointestinal perforation.

Despite these concerns, some doctors believe that Avastin can still be an effective treatment option for some patients with glioblastoma. They argue that while Avastin may not increase overall survival rates significantly, it can help to improve quality of life by reducing symptoms such as swelling and pain.

In conclusion, the use of Avastin as a treatment option for glioblastoma remains controversial. While some doctors believe that it should only be used as a last resort when all other treatment options have failed, others argue that it can still be an effective treatment option for some patients. Ultimately, the decision to use Avastin as a treatment option for glioblastoma should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the patient’s individual circumstances and preferences.