The NHS is facing a dilemma- whether to stick to the procedures or break away from the conventional norms.

The reason for the dilemma is the unlicensed drug Avastin. The drug in question is licensed treatment for bowl cancer, but at the same time can also be used for the treatment of common form of blindness.

The licensed drug that is used for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration is Lucentis. The therapy using the drug is extremely costly. Due to the cost factors ophthalmologists use the unlicensed drug Avastin in smaller quantities for the treatment of wet AMD.

According to the sources both the drugs, Lucentis and Avastin are manufactured by Genentech, but the manufacturers have only registered Lucentis.

Under the circumstances National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence are reviewing whether the drug should be licensed or not, keeping in mind the side effects, if any.

Though the drug is supported by the doctors and health experts, NHS is reviewing the matter and investigating the possibility of recommending Avastin.