Elahere approved by NICE: What does this mean for patients?
Watch our webinar to understand what this new treatment means for women with ovarian cancer
In June 2026, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine) for use on the NHS in England for eligible women with ovarian cancer.
For many women living with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, this marks the first major treatment breakthrough in almost 20 years.
To help explain what this decision means in practice, we hosted a webinar with leading ovarian cancer specialist Dr Jon Krell, Associate Professor and Consultant Medical Oncologist at Imperial College London.
Whether you're living with ovarian cancer, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand the latest treatment developments, please watch the video below:
What you'll learn
During this 30-minute webinar we'll cover:
- What Elahere is and how it works
- Who is eligible for treatment
- What "folate receptor-alpha (FRα) positive" means
- The benefits shown in clinical trials
- Commonly reported side effects
- How patients can access Elahere through the NHS
- What this approval means across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
There will also be an opportunity to submit questions in advance for Dr Krell to answer during the webinar.
Watch the recording of the Ovarian Cancer Action Elahere Webinar
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine) | A targeted cancer treatment designed for some people with folate receptor alpha (FRα)-positive, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. It combines an antibody that finds cancer cells with a chemotherapy drug that is released directly inside those cells, helping to limit damage to healthy tissue. |
| Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) | A type of targeted cancer medicine that joins an antibody with a powerful anti-cancer drug. The antibody acts like a guided delivery system, finding cancer cells with a specific marker and carrying the drug directly to them. |
| Folate receptor alpha (FRα) | A protein found on the surface of many ovarian cancer cells. Testing for FRα helps identify whether treatments such as Elahere are likely to work, because the drug specifically targets cells carrying this protein |
| Carboplatin | A platinum-based chemotherapy drug commonly used as a first-line treatment for ovarian cancer. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. |
| Cisplatin | A platinum-based chemotherapy drug used to treat several types of cancer, including some ovarian cancers. Like carboplatin, it works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells so they can no longer grow and divide. Cisplatin is generally used less often than carboplatin in ovarian cancer because it tends to cause more side effects, such as kidney damage, hearing loss and nerve damage, although it may be recommended in certain situations. |
| Chemotherapy | A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. Traditional chemotherapy affects both cancer cells and some healthy cells, which is why it can cause side effects such as fatigue, sickness and hair loss |
| Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer | Ovarian cancer that comes back or starts growing again within six months of finishing platinum-based chemotherapy, such as carboplatin. At this stage, platinum chemotherapy is less likely to be effective, so other treatments may be considered. |
Meet the speaker
Dr Jon Krell
Associate Professor and Consultant Medical Oncologist at Imperial College London
Dr Krell specialises in the treatment of gynaecological cancers and has extensive experience in ovarian cancer research and new treatment approaches. During the webinar, he'll explain what the NICE decision means for patients today and answer some of the most common questions about Elahere.
Dr Jon Krell
Ovarian Cancer Action's role
Ovarian Cancer Action was proud to represent the patient voice throughout the NICE appraisal process.
Following NICE's initial decision not to approve Elahere, we asked members of our community to share their experiences of living with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Together, you told us:
- more treatment options are urgently needed
- additional time with loved ones is invaluable
- quality of life on chemotherapy can be incredibly difficult.
We submitted this evidence to NICE alongside patient expert testimony, helping ensure that the experiences of women and families were heard during the appraisal process.
Thank you to everyone who shared their stories. Your voices helped shape this decision.
Why is this approval so significant?
NICE has recommended Elahere for women in England with folate receptor-alpha (FRα) positive platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer after one to three previous lines of systemic treatment.
This is the first new treatment approved for this group of women in nearly two decades, offering an important new option when platinum chemotherapy is no longer effective.
Marie-Claire Platt, Director of Research and Policy at Ovarian Cancer Action, said:
"Women living with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer have been left behind for too long. That changes in England today, with the first breakthrough for these women in twenty years.
We welcome this news and the precious extra time Elahere can give these women with their loved ones."
