Genetech, a part of Roche Group, published new data last week which outline the effectiveness of some personalized approaches for the treatment of people with skin and lung cancer. They also mentioned that new data regarding Avastin (bevacizumab), which is used to treat ovarian cancer, is going to be presented at the 47th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

This meeting is scheduled to take place on June 3-7, 2011 in Chicago, and will feature approved and investigational new drugs that can be used for treating as many as 30 cancer types. However, some of the treatment options come with warnings against increased risks of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).

According to a statement made by Hal Barron, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and head of Global Product Development, “Our goal is to develop cancer medicines that improve care in a way that is meaningful to patients and their doctors. Developing medicines that are tailored to a person’s specific cancer type is part of this strategy, and our data at ASCO will show that we are making substantial strides in the delivery of personalized healthcare.”

While new treatment options are always a good thing, the drugs’ potentials for causing SJS and its sister condition, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS), is getting more and more common.

Current medications that are said to be the focus of Genetech’s research information to will be provided at the meeting will include:

  • Vemurafenib: used to treat skin cancer
  • Tarceva (erlotinib): used to treat lung cancer
  • MetMAb: used to treat lung cancer
  • Avastin: used to treat ovarian cancer

More and more drugs are coming with warnings against SJS and TENS as the conditions are becoming more commonplace. These potentially life-threatening conditions cause a person’s body to burn from the inside out, and can lead to permanent damage including blindness, liver damage and scarring, as well as death.

If you or a loved one develops SJS or TENS after taking any of the above-mentioned medications, contact SJS attorney Greg Jones today. I am experienced at fighting SJS lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.