Today Ovacome is delighted to hear the announcement from the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) approving NHS Scotland funding for mirvetuximab soravtansine (Elahere). This decision offers the largest breakthrough in ovarian cancer treatment options in Scotland in 10 years.
Mirvetuximab acts as a targeted therapy and is a groundbreaking treatment option at the disease at the point of platinum resistance, as Ovacome Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Clare explains:
“For people living with ovarian cancer, the news that platinum-based chemotherapy is no longer working can bring significant uncertainty for them and their families at an already challenging time. At this stage of the disease, treatment options have historically been limited, and prognosis can be poor, leaving patients and their families facing difficult choices. Today’s SMC advice is an important moment for eligible patients with FRα-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, offering an additional treatment option that could help patients continue doing the things that matter most to them, at a time when moments with friends and family can feel especially important.”
Until today, the treatment has only been available for very few patients in Scotland via compassionate access. Today’s decision will mean anyone eligible for mirvetuximab will be able to access it through the NHS in Scotland.
Ovacome, the UK's ovarian cancer support charity, advocated on behalf of patients in the decision-making process in Scotland.
The charity attended the SMC PACE meeting, advocating for the importance of this decision alongside patients and clinicians. Ovacome has campaigned extensively over the last 30 years for greater investment in the availability of treatments and trials for ovarian cancer in the UK, particularly at the later stages of the disease. The decision to fund this treatment is important and places patients at the heart of decision-making.
Mirvetuximab soravtansine is a targeted treatment for adults with folate receptor-alpha (FRα)-positive platinum-resistant high-grade serous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who have previously had 1 to 3 lines of systemic treatment.
It combines a chemotherapy drug with an antibody. The antibody is designed to identify cancer cells with a protein on the surface known as folate receptor-alpha (FRα). It sticks to these cells and is then absorbed, releasing the chemotherapy drug which destroys the cell from within.
Because mirvetuximab targets cancer cells more precisely, people may experience less severe side effects than those from traditional chemotherapy, which harms healthy cells.
Anyone affected by ovarian cancer who has questions about mirvetuximab should speak to their clinical team. They can also access Ovacome’s free support line on 0800 008 7054.
You can read more about the SMC decision and what it means for patients in Scotland on the SMC website.
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Learn more about mirvetuximab soravtansine on our Targeted Therapies page, where you can also download or order a free booklet.
