Mirvetuximab soravtansine at a glance
Medicine class
FRα-directed antibody–drug conjugate
Tumour testing
Treatment requires confirmation that the cancer is FRα-positive.
Administration
Given by intravenous infusion under specialist cancer care.
Important monitoring
Eye problems, lung inflammation and peripheral neuropathy require particular attention.
Additional monitoring
This product carries the black-triangle symbol for additional safety monitoring.
What is Mirvetuximab soravtansine used for?
Licensed as monotherapy for adults with:
FRα-positive, platinum-resistant high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer after one to three previous systemic treatment regimens.
FRα-positive, platinum-resistant high-grade serous fallopian tube cancer after one to three previous systemic treatment regimens.
FRα-positive, platinum-resistant high-grade serous primary peritoneal cancer after one to three previous systemic treatment regimens.
How does Mirvetuximab soravtansine work?
The antibody binds to folate receptor-alpha on cancer cells and is taken inside them. Its DM4 payload is then released, disrupting microtubules to stop cell division and promote cancer-cell death.
Mirvetuximab soravtansine preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 5 mg/mL
How to take Mirvetuximab soravtansine
It is prepared and given as an intravenous infusion by an experienced cancer team. Medicines are given beforehand to reduce infusion reactions, nausea and vomiting.
Attend planned eye examinations and report new or worsening eye symptoms before treatment.
Use lubricating or prescribed steroid eye drops exactly as directed.
Do not wear contact lenses unless an eye specialist or cancer clinician advises otherwise.
Do not drive or operate machinery while blurred vision, neuropathy, dizziness or fatigue affects you.
Mirvetuximab soravtansine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Blurred vision, dry eye or corneal changes
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
- Tiredness or weakness
- Abdominal pain and reduced appetite
- Tingling, burning pain or numbness from peripheral neuropathy
- Headache or joint pain
- Changes in blood counts, magnesium or liver-test results
Get urgent medical advice
- New or worsening vision changes, eye pain or light sensitivity
- New cough, breathlessness, chest pain or possible lung inflammation
- Progressive numbness, pain or weakness in the limbs
- Breathing difficulty, wheezing, facial swelling, faintness, fever or rash during or after an infusion
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
Mirvetuximab soravtansine in pregnancy
It is not recommended during pregnancy because it may harm a developing baby. Pregnancy status should be checked before treatment, and effective contraception is required during treatment and for seven months afterwards. Contact the specialist team immediately if pregnancy occurs; fertility may also be affected.
Mirvetuximab soravtansine while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment or for one month afterwards because transfer into milk is unknown and harm to the infant cannot be excluded. Discuss feeding options with the specialist team.
Mirvetuximab soravtansine interactions
Tell the cancer team about all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products. Formal clinical interaction studies have not been conducted.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin, ritonavir, cobicistat and azole antifungals
May increase exposure to DM4 and the risk of adverse reactions; close monitoring is required if they cannot be avoided.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers, including carbamazepine, phenytoin and rifampicin
May reduce exposure to unconjugated DM4.
Common questions about Mirvetuximab soravtansine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is FRα testing needed?
The antibody targets FRα, so tumour tissue must show the required level of this protein before treatment is considered.
Is it chemotherapy?
It is an antibody–drug conjugate: a targeted antibody carries the cytotoxic DM4 payload into FRα-expressing cancer cells.
Why are eye examinations needed?
Treatment can cause corneal changes and other potentially serious eye effects. Baseline assessment and prompt review of new symptoms help guide treatment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.