New Ovarian Cancer Drug Becomes Available on the NHS
A new targeted treatment for some forms of ovarian cancer is now available on the NHS in England, offering eligible patients longer survival and fewer side effects than standard chemotherapy.
The drug, mirvetuximab soravtansine, is intended for patients with ovarian, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer that no longer responds to chemotherapy and has a marker known as folate receptor alpha. Around 30% to 40% of chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancers carry this marker. NHS England estimates that up to 400 patients a year could benefit.
Mirvetuximab is an antibody-drug conjugate, sometimes described as a “Trojan horse” therapy. It combines an antibody designed to attach to cancer cells with a chemotherapy drug. Once the antibody binds to the cancer cell and is absorbed, it releases the chemotherapy directly inside the cell. This targeted approach aims to limit damage to healthy tissue and reduce side effects.
Clinical trial results found that average survival increased from 12.8 months with conventional chemotherapy to 16.5 months with mirvetuximab. The treatment is also given by infusion every three weeks, rather than weekly, and patients may experience less nausea, fatigue and hair loss.
Patricia Hill, 64, from north London, began taking the drug in January after being diagnosed in 2023 and receiving several rounds of chemotherapy. She said the treatment had enabled her to resume activities such as visiting family, going to restaurants and attending the theatre.
Another patient, Jenny Green, 71, from Hertfordshire, took part in the clinical trials and reported limited side effects, along with scan results showing shrinking cancer nodules.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has approved the treatment for eligible patients. Wales and Northern Ireland often follow NICE guidance, while Scotland makes separate decisions.
Cancer specialists and ovarian cancer charities have welcomed the decision, noting that treatment options for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer have been limited for many years.