1787 – Immunohistochemistry testing of solid tumour tissue to determine folate receptor alpha (FRɑ) expression status in adults with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, to determine eligibility for treatment with PBS subsidised mirvetuximab soravtansine

New MBS item (MSAC-PBAC co-dependent submission).

Folate receptor alpha (FRɑ) is a protein that is expressed in nearly all ovarian cancers and can be overexpressed in ovarian cancer solid tumours while being minimally expressed in normal tissue. The FRɑ-positive expression status may be determined using a validated immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay to detect the percentage of viable tumour cells with membrane staining for FRɑ. The test is used to determine eligibility for a potential new PBS subsidised treatment, mirvetuximab soravtansine.

Type: Investigative technology

The proposed treatment is intended for adults with epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer whose tumours are FRɑ-positive and are resistant to treatment with a platinum- containing chemotherapy regimen. Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer accounting for 90% of ovarian cancer cases.

• PASC consultation: Closed Friday 8 November 2024
  Any consultation received after this date will automatically be included in the MSAC consultation for this application.
• MSAC consultation: TBA

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• PASC meeting: 12–13 December 2024
• ESC meeting: 
• MSAC meeting: 

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The outcome of this application is pending.

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