Label: No; Access: Yes

FDA's proposal to remove first-line metastatic breast cancer from the label for Avastin bevacizumab and a contradictory decision in Europe are causing concern and confusion among patients anxious about losing access to the drug if insurers cease coverage.

But whether or not FDA carries through with removing the indication from Avastin's label, the drug appears likely to remain available in the U.S. for the foreseeable future, and not only by virtue of off-label prescribing. Large private payers contacted by BioCentury are signaling that they will continue to cover the drug for breast cancer as long as it remains in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's guidelines, and NCCN hasn't changed its mind...