Progression free survival vs overall survival

[Sheila]

I had a lengthy talk with my oncologist yesterday....we were discussing Avastin in particular, and that many of the new targeted agents measure progression free survival, but do not lengthen overall survival. She is a professor of oncology, one of the first in the US to give Herceptin and chairs the Brian Piccolo Foundation...her explanation was simple...in breast cancer, we are fortunate that as soon as progression occurs while on a drug, there is something newer or another drug to try....so drugs are measured on progression free survival rather than overall survival...most can't give this measurement as we are on them so long and then build resistance and progress...off to a new combo, a continual circle. But in this circle, many are surviving even as stage IV patients for many years...15-20 or longer. She pointed out that this is not the case in pancreatic cancers and primary lung cancers....drugs are more limited, and these tumors are so virulent that as soon as one progresses, it is most likely too late for a new med. She also mentioned that although they have seen a great reponse with Avastin at reducing tumors, it is coming at a price of more cardiac complications than were thought. Her consensus was that it may not be FDA approved in February, due to the high incidence or unmentioned complications being seen in women. Time will tell. I do know that in being off it one month, my nodes in my neck HAVE NOT increased in size, and my systolic B/P has dropped 30 points, dyastolic 20 points.....I am still on meds though for the B/P .