It can cost $100,000 a year to take a course of Avastin - the best selling cancer drug. But there is no evidence that it helps. In fact there is evidence that it has very troubling side effects.
Studies show the drug prolongs life by only a few months, if that. And some newer studies suggest the drug might be less effective against cancer than the Food and Drug Administration had understood when the agency approved its uses.
While many patients and their doctors say the drug can improve the quality of life — like a sense of well-being and an ability to carry out daily tasks without exhaustion or pain — such effects can be hard to document. Meanwhile, many patients with cancers other than those of the colon, lung or breast are taking the drug, even in cases where there is no compelling evidence that it can help.
Avastin also has serious, if infrequent, side effects, some of which can be lethal. And because it is almost always used with standard chemotherapy — it did not work as well when researchers tried it alone — patients on Avastin do not escape chemotherapy’s side effects.
So the FDA have announced that it should no longer be used. But patient clamour has meant that Medicare will still allow it.
We rush to submit ourselves to torture and bankruptcy anf Big Pharma is there to take our money.
This reminds me of a joke:
The Chief began a loud and very emotional speech to the tribe while constantly pointing and waving at the three missionaries. The crowd was beginning to get very riled and excited. Finally the Chief turned to the assistant and started speaking to him in a level calm voice.
The assistant, obviously now an interpreter, turned to the three and said in loud clear English, "You have violated our land, an example must be made to prevent your people from returning!"
He walked up to the first Missionary and asked, "Chi-chi or Death?" With these words, the crowd began cheering and chanting.
Not having the faintest clue what "Chi-chi" was, but knowing full well what Death was, he did not hesitate to shout, "Chi-chi!"
The Chief nodded and repeated, "Chi-chi!" The cheering crowd surged forward and grabbed the man and proceeded to beat and rape him. This went on for some time right in front of the Chief and the other two missionaries. Then after the crowd seemed to mellow, the man was stripped and sent naked running into the jungle in the direction of home.
Now, the assistant walked up to the second missionary and asked, "Chi-chi or Death?" Again, the crowd began cheering and chanting.
Now knowing what "Chi-chi" was, but still fearing Death more, he felt he had little choice, "Chi-chi" he whispered, barely audible, defeat in his eyes.
The Chief nodded and repeated, "Chi-chi!" Again in a near mirror performance, the crowd assaulted and abused the missionary for nearly the exact length of time. With the same result, the man running naked towards the jungle and presumably to home and a therapist.
Now, the assistant walked up to the last missionary and asked again, "Chi-chi or Death?" The crowd cheering and chanting yet again.
A complete study of dignity, the last missionary stood as tall as his bonds would allow and announced with total authority, "I choose Death!"
The crowd went silent. The Chief walked solemnly to the last missionary and spoke to him, the assistant then asked the man, "Chief wants to know if this is what you really want?"
At full lung the man roared out, "I choose Death!"
With this the Chief broke into a wide grin, and the crowd went nuts. As the crowd rushed forward, the Chief said "Good choice but first - Chi-chi!"
