the manufacturer, genentech, was ordered to do more studies on the drug to make sure it was safe and effective. but those studies showed cause for serious concern. the benefits did not outweigh potentially dangerous risks including death. and the agency proposed last december to withdraw its approval for breast cancer. >> there is no evidence that avastin saves or extends lives. >> it's perplexing to think you might let women die -- >> reporter: at an emotional hearing today, demonstrators outside, and avastin and doctors and activists debated whether the drug should remain available for breast cancer. >> i owe the last seven and a half years to avastin. >> it gives us hope. we're counting on the fda to make the right decision. >> genentech is appealing the decision to pull the drug asking pore more time to study its effects. no question it will remain on the market to treat other cancers. although the fda and its advisory panels are not supposed to consider cost, it is the elephant in the room. a course of avastin sells for about $88,000 a year. if the fda withdraws the breast cance

was given fast tracked approval in 2008 for breast cancer under one condition -- avastin's maker, genentech, had to follow one studies that showed it was safe and effective. patients also went through standard therapies. some say it's premature to give all the credit to one cancer drug. >> we believe that things have done us well. we don't want to believe otherwise. the signs suggest that may not be the case. >> reporter: the panel's vote on avadin will not be -- avastin will not be complete until the ruling expected next month. >> we are willing to work with the fda to find a solution such as a modified or restricted label. >> reporter: if avastin is not approved for breast cancer, it likely will not be covered by insurance and can cost patient an estimated $90,000 a year. nbc bay area news. >>> it's not quite a honeymoon, just a summer vacation with a lot of people watching. the royal newlyweds, prince william and kate, the duke and duchess of cambridge, are heading this way. they arrive in ottawa, canada, tomorrow on an 11-day tour of north america. they leave calgary, canada, just eight

that cost is being generated by a consortium known as pharma and then genentech of $ 110,000. we're very appreciative of this pilot project that is likely to commence in about three to four months, september/october hopefully, when it would commence in san francisco. the legislation that is before you is signage. we have used the previous laws that had been adopted by this commission and by this city, known as prop 65 signage that directs people as you would go to a grocery store or somewhere or restaurant about mercury poisoning, that we used similar templates for signage for informing the citizenry at retail outlets where you buy pharmaceuticals, medications of where you can discard your pharmaceuticals. those were the repositories will be, will be at five district neighborhood police stations. we have ten so five out of ten. and then in a number of independent pharmacies have volunteers to be at those locations. the point of the money is so there would be a proper chain of custody so that when is when it is being picked up, it is being picked up since it is considered biome

genentech-- >>> a new study from the journal of pediatrics looks at the impact of preschool children, especially those who watch tv after 7:00 p.m. children generally had more trouble sleeping and violent television any time can cause sleeping problems for three to 5-year-olds. however the research shows that nonviolent daytime tv did not seem to have any impact on sleep patterns. >>> the number of unmarried couples living together in the u.s. continues to increase. but it may not be the best move for anyone. many couples move in together to save money. cohabiting translates to benefits for college graduates but not for those with less education. college graduates who live together have higher incomes, they also have a higher median household income. children may be one of the reasons for the difference. college educated couples were less likely to have children. >>> gas prices, we know what they're doing to your pocketbook. but up next what they're doing across the country that has lawmakers concerned. >>> and fog rolling in across the avenues of san francisco right now. that fog, wo

genentech is appealing the decision.stake as much as $1 billion in annual sales. >> we want to spend $1 billion on things that are going to help patients and help women and help everyone. this is not one of those drugs. >> reporter: ucsf's dr. rita redberg is concerned that some will believe the debate is about the rationing of healthcare. >> this is not rationing. rationing is when you have something that works and you can't give it to somebody for other reasons. this is a drug that hasn't been found to work after several very well done scientific trials. that's not rationing. >> reporter: avastin is expensive, nearly $100,000 a year per patient. the executive director for breast cancer action would rather see healthcare dollars spent on cheaper less toxic drugs that work. >> we simply believe that pharmaceutical companies should not be able to sell hope. they must sell results. >> reporter: avastin carries the risk of serious sometimes fatal side effects including gastrointestinal perforation and bleeding. now, there m

. >>> there's a battle going on about a cancer drug made by genentech, avastin was temporarily approved2008, but when studies did not back up earlier research, the fda moved to revoke the approval, some patients and doctors and panel members told the fda why it helped curb the cancer growth. if it's taken off the market, they may have to pay the $90,000 price tag. >>> 1:15, san ramon, thunder, and suddenly downpour. and suddenly we got drenched. >> the dogs ran for cover. >> crazy! >> and the kids getting drenched in the summer rain, record-breaking rain. there's a live look at the bay bridge commute as we're also watching the weather impacting the a's' dame this eveningame t. >>> and are you a double-double kind of person? then today is for you. the giants double dipping at wrigley, and look who is on the mound, barry zito making his first major league start since april. how is he doing? details next. she notices when my skin's rough. (announcer) gold bond ultimate softening lotion. with shea butter for soft healthy skin. gold bond ultimate softening. this stuff really works. >>> take