Overview
- NICE issued a recommendation and NHS England began rolling out mirvetuximab soravtansine through the Cancer Drugs Fund, which was announced on Wednesday to allow immediate patient access.
- The drug will be offered to people with platinum‑resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancers whose tumours test positive for the folate receptor alpha protein (FRα).
- A global trial that included eight NHS hospitals showed average survival rose from 12.8 months with chemotherapy to 16.5 months with mirvetuximab soravtansine and more patients had significant tumour shrinkage.
- Treatment is given intravenously once every three weeks and common side effects include reversible eye problems, fatigue, nausea and low blood counts that are managed with monitoring and supportive care.
- NHS England estimates up to about 400 patients a year in England could benefit, but access depends on FRα testing, referral to specialist centres and national monitoring as the rollout expands.