Genentech has recently announced that the study of Avastin will continue as planned, reaching phase 3 of the studies. Avastin is a treatment used in cancer patients after a tumor is surgically removed, wiping-out the remaining cancer cells. The final results of the study analyzing the effects of Avastin in early colon cancer patients are due for mid 2009 and it seems like the research is on the right path.

If Avastin will prove helpful in early stage colon cancer patients, Genentech will enjoy an additional profit of approximately $5 billion. In this case, Genentech’s acquisition of Roche will indeed be proven helpful as the success of the study is crucial in this matter.

The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project has decided to continue the trial of Avastin combined with chemotherapy based on a recommendation from a private data monitoring committee that analyzed the present data of the study and decided that further testing is needed.

Avastin is a drug very much used in patients that suffer from colon, breast and lung cancer and is internationally recognized as being efficient. From a more financial oriented perspective, Avastin is presently, Genentech’s best sold drug, managing to reach sales of $704 million in the third quarter. The drug is approved by the FDA and apparently it is thought that Avastin can also have other functions as well.

All in all, 2009 will be the year when the final results will be made public and it will be known if the famous cancer drug can be used in combination with chemotherapy to treat early stages of colon cancer.