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The breast cancer drug trastuzumab (better known by its brand name Herceptin) has had more than its share of good press. It has been described as "the biggest cancer breakthrough in a decade," "a life-saving drug" and the "next best thing to a cure." The laudatory words from some oncologists and patient advocates, along with extensive media coverage, have placed enormous pressure on public health plans to fund the treatment. Much of the debate has focused on the price Genentech Inc. is asking for Herceptin -- between $35,000 and $45,000, depending on the patient's weight.
Providing Herceptin to a select group of breast cancer patients would effectively double the cost of treatment and add $150-million a year to the health-care tab.

The original article can be found at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050804/HPICARD04/TPHealth/

The original article can found in the Media Doctor archives.

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what we said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

After a summer of laudatory media treatment about the use of Herceptin (trastuzumab) with chemotherapy for breast cancer, finally there is an article free of hype and clear on evidence. This opinion piece on the hype surrounding the launch of a new breast cancer treatment, trastuzumab (Herceptin). The author has done an excellent job of deconstructing relative risk differences and translating them into absolute risk differences, as well including some information on risks. The discussion is well-framed in terms of the outcome of greatest importance to patients, survival, as well as addressing the context of policy decisions concerning payment. In terms of clear, unequivocal examinations of evidence, this article sets a very high mark. Bravo!

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