What is Provenge?
Provenge is a non invasive, non toxic, targeted immunotherapy which utilizes one’s healthy cells to fight end stage prostate cancer. It is administered in 3 infusions as an outpatient using one’s own white blood cells, to mount an attack against the cancer. Some men are living as long as 7 years after the three treatments they received 7 years prior. The side effects are usually limited to a day or two of fever and chills as your body builds up an immune response. Can I get Provenge? No. Provenge went before the FDA over a year ago to apply for a license. They spent years consulting with the FDA who granted them fast track status and a rolling license submission. They were told by the FDA that the data was sufficient for them to file for the license. The FDA then assembled an Advisory Committee to advise them, at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars to the taxpayer. The Advisory Committee voted Provenge unanimously safe (17-0) and overwhelming that there is proof it is effective
