NHS England Approves Mirvetuximab Soravtansine for 400 Women
NHS England has approved mirvetuximab soravtansine for women with epithelial ovarian, peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer that has become resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. The drug, also known as Elahere, targets tumours containing the FRα protein and could be used for up to 400 women a year in England.
The decision gives access to the first new drug for resistant ovarian cancer in more than 20 years. Mirvetuximab soravtansine is given by drip once every three weeks.
Eight NHS hospitals
In a global clinical trial involving eight NHS hospitals, the treatment delayed cancer progression and prolonged survival by an average of four months compared with chemotherapy. Tumours shrank by at least 30% in 37% of patients, compared with 16% with chemotherapy.
The drug is made by AbbVie and combines a homing antibody with a cancer-killing molecule. Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: "We heard clearly from patients and clinicians about the very limited options available at this stage of the disease and the substantial burden that chemo"
Ruth Plummer and Rachel Downing
Prof Ruth Plummer, NHS England’s national clinical lead for cancer drugs, said: "This represents the most significant breakthrough in NHS treatment for these hard-to-treat ovarian cancers in over two decades – and we’re delighted it will now offer hundreds of women much-needed hope of precious extra time with their loved ones." Rachel Downing, head of policy and external affairs at Target Ovarian Cancer, said: "This is a hugely important moment for women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and their families, who have faced limited effective treatment options for far too long. Today’s announcement offers real hope of improved quality of life."
Victoria Clare
Victoria Clare, chief executive of Ovacome, said: "Today marks a landmark moment. Being told that platinum-based chemotherapy is no longer working can bring anxiety and uncertainty, particularly when the disease is at an advanced stage, where time and options are limited. This recommendation is the first in over 20 years to offer the ovarian cancer community an additional choice at a critical stage, with the potential to make a real difference to patients and their families." More than three-quarters of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, and about 80% of patients with advanced ovarian cancer relapse and most eventually develop resistance to chemotherapy.
