Hundreds of women with hard-to-treat ovarian cancer are set to benefit from a breakthrough treatment approved for use on the NHS, marking the first new therapy for the disease in two decades.
Landmark Decision by NICE
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued final draft guidance recommending mirvetuximab soravtansine, also known as Elahere, for women with folate receptor-alpha-positive, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancers. These cancers often become resistant to chemotherapy, leaving patients with limited options.
Experts have hailed the decision as a "landmark" moment. Victoria Clare, chief executive of the charity Ovacome, said: "Being told that platinum-based chemotherapy is no longer working can bring anxiety and uncertainty. This recommendation is the first in over 20 years to offer the ovarian cancer community an additional choice at a critical stage."
How the Treatment Works
Developed by AbbVie, mirvetuximab soravtansine is a targeted therapy that attaches to cancer cells and destroys them, often described as a "biological missile" or "Trojan horse" therapy. Administered intravenously every three weeks, clinical trials have shown it improves survival by an average of four months compared to chemotherapy alone.
NHS England estimates that around 400 patients in England each year could benefit from the drug. Professor 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."
Patient Testimony
Patricia Hill, a 64-year-old retired NHS physiotherapist from north London, began treatment in January 2026. She said: "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. The feelings of isolation and loneliness from conventional chemotherapy are totally eradicated. It actually adds life to years."
Impact on Patients
Rachel Downing, head of policy at Target Ovarian Cancer, added: "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."
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: "We heard clearly from patients and clinicians about the very limited options available. Following a robust process and a new commercial arrangement with AbbVie, we are now able to recommend this treatment for NHS use."
