As cost to treat cancer rises, guidelines lend a helping hand - Pittsburgh Business Times:

As cost to treat cancer rises, guidelines lend a helping hand - Pittsburgh Business Times::

"Here’s an example of why guidelines are getting a closer look: Less than five years ago, there was no effective way to treat kidney cancer, Marks said.

In recent years, though, bevacizumab, which is sold as Avastin, delays the progression of kidney cancer twice as long as conventional chemotherapy alone.

The rub: Avastin can cost $100,000 a year, roughly two-thirds more than conventional chemotherapy depending on dose and type of cancer."