Avastin, a drug approved in 2008 to treat breast, lung, and kidney cancer, has been under investigation since it's early approval was revoked by the FDA last December. Avastin, designed to treat terminal cancer patients, was reported to have adverse effects that outweighed its benefits.

Numerous women have died when taking Avastin, but an equal number have reported miraculous results. Shannon Morgan, a stage 4 breast cancer patient whose cancer spread to her stomach, has been in remission for 3 years after taking Avastin. Morgan and her husband are scheduled to testify in support of the drug during the FDA's ongoing hearings which began last Tuesday.

The FDA gave Avastin an early approval, before testing of the drug was completed. Dr. Gary Lyman, an adviser of the FDA, stated, "We wanted patients not to wait until final data was in to have access to this medication." The studies have not been reassuring, however, showing adverse effects without any sure survival benefit.

Without insurance approval, Avastin costs almost $90,000 per year. But for thousands of women like Morgan, Avastin is a beacon of hope.  Morgan testified that, "Avastin has really given me hope and dignity and the strength to carry on my life."

Now, approximately 17,000 women are taking Avastin and in an uproar over its revoked approval. The FDA is allowing the company to present its case, and, for the time being, the drug remains available to patients who eagerly await the results of the hearing.