Today everybody at Ovacome is delighted to hear of NICE’s landmark decision to fund mirvetuximab soravtansine for use in England through the NHS. The decision marks a significant step forward for ovarian cancer patients by offering the first major breakthrough in treatment options in over 20 years.
Mirvetuximab acts as a targeted therapy and is a groundbreaking treatment option as it treats the disease at the point of platinum resistance, making it the first of its kind to do so.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Clare, has welcomed this decision:
“For those with FRa-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, 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 options are limited. This recommendation is the first in over twenty 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.”
Until today, the treatment has only been available for very few patients via clinical trials, private healthcare or compassionate access. Today’s decision will mean anyone eligible for mirvetuximab will be able to access it through the NHS in England.
“It's been incredibly positive, previously, I've had three different lines of chemotherapy, and this is the first time that I've actually been able to get on with my life in terms of the impact of side effects."
“The feelings of isolation and loneliness that you have in terms of undergoing conventional chemotherapy are totally or more or less totally eradicated when using Mirv. It actually adds life to years rather than spending your life in bed and recovering from the side effects of chemotherapy, you can actually get on withyour life and just engage and be part of society.”
Patricia called the decision to approve NHS funding in England ‘fantastic’:
Patricia was diagnosed with ovarian cancer over three years ago and called the decision ‘fantastic’.
“This drug has certainly transformed my life… it would be fantastic for other people to have that opportunity, especially when it is proven to be so successful… for those who can have it, it’s so important that they get the chance.”
Jenny, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2017, has received mirvetuximab as part of a clinical trial says of her experience –
“I seem to have tolerated it very well. I seem to have hardly any side effects at all, really. That's been amazing! I had a scan the other day that showed my cancer nodules were shrinking as well, and my bloods were coming back into range which is all pretty good to hear!”
At Ovacome, as the UK's ovarian cancer support charity, we advocated on behalf of patients at the two NICE mirvetuximab soravtansine committee meetings, representing their interests and ensuring patient voices were heard by decision makers.
Our extensive campaigning for greater investment in the availability of treatments and trials for ovarian cancer in the UK, particularly at the later stages of the disease, has helped lead to today’s positive outcome. 145 people from the Ovacome community responded to our call to share their experiences in a survey, which provided invaluable insight into the impact of chemotherapy side effects, helping policymakers to understand patient views on access to treatment options when people become platinum resistant.
Patient group survey responses, and patient experts, were referenced in detail throughout the NICE guidance published today. This demonstrates the significant impact it carried in the decision-making process, and the power of patient community voice driving change. For this reason and many more, we as a charity couldn’t be more grateful for the commitment and engagement demonstrated by our incredible Ovacome community – today has proven that together we can help to make meaningful change.
Reflecting on Ovacome’s involvement, Patricia shares:
“Ovacome’s involvement is absolutely fundamental in driving our cause forward and actually bringing change, where change is desperately needed. Ovarian cancer can be a very bad prognosis for many, and Ovacome adds a voice, agency and advocacy for those who need it.”
England performs poorly in ovarian cancer outcomes compared to most European countries. The decision to fund this treatment is a meaningful advancement towards closing the gap.
Victoria Clare reinforces the importance of this outcome for ovarian cancer patients:
“This is really positive news for many patients with ovarian cancer. For those who are platinum resistant, this offers hope and a chance of a new treatment on the NHS. We are delighted that NICE has listened to patients, their families and the clinicians."
Our support team will be able to answer further questions you may have regarding today’s decision. You can reach us on our free support line on 0800 008 7054, or you can email us at support@ovacome.org.uk.
