NEW Genentech Avastin study starts enrollment tomorrow

[Joan M]

This study is for anyone who has ALREADY taken AVASTIN as part of their breast cancer treatment.

Genentech and 23andMe, a genetic testing company, have recently partnered to launch a new breast cancer research initiative. Genetics can sometimes explain why people differ in how well they respond to a drug and/or experience side effects. One of the goals of this web-based study is to determine if a person’s genes could play a role in how they respond to bevacizumab (also known as Avastin®). The study is enrolling 1,000 individuals who have received bevacizumab (also known as Avastin®) for metastatic breast cancer in 2010 or 2011.

Participation is free, but you must have access to a computer and the Internet. Participants in the study will submit DNA samples via an at-home saliva collection kit and potentially a blood sample through a qualified laboratory. You will create an online account to take surveys about your experience with Avastin and to receive updates on research progress. You also have the option to join the 23andMe service (for free) to learn more about genetics and your health and ancestry.

For more information about this study, and to sign up, visit https://www.23andme.com/invite-study
Questions? Email invite-study@23andme.com

[schoolteacher]

Thanks for the post, Joan.

Amelia

[SoCalGal]

Thanks for this post - I signed up for the study...it's good that they are trying to identify who will benefit from Avastin, etc. etc. I know that FDA approval for Stage 4 br ca will be a big earner for Genentech, BUT it will also save lives, as I believe it's done for me! Would not have known about www.23andme.com if not for your post...not sure about their rules, but it seems like they will track genetics for quite some time. Hope this benefits others!

[Joan M]

Hey Flori,

Glad you're doing well! If you participate in the study, let us know how it's going.

Joan

[rhondalea]

I'd like to give this a little bump. I just received an email from 23andMe* about the study, and I speedily logged on to post about the opportunity right away, only to find that the study is ongoing and the email sent to me is part of a drive to recruit additional participants.

For anyone who is eligible, this is an amazing opportunity. Not only can you participate in the study at hand, you will also have full access to additional genetic information related to drug response, disease risk and more. (And there are other ways to use one's raw data beyond participation at 23andMe--feel free to ask for links.)

(*I've never taken Avastin, but I have been a 23andMe member since prior to my cancer diagnosis.)