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New ovarian cancer treatment dubbed ‘biological missile’ approved
The drug targets a protein on ovarian cancer cells and is available for women whose disease returned after platinum chemotherapy.
- The NHS approved Elahere on Friday for treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, marking a breakthrough in precision oncology. The treatment targets specific cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
- Dubbed a 'biological missile,' Elahere uses an antibody to deliver toxic molecules directly into cancer cells, unlike conventional chemotherapy that travels freely through the body. Dr. Lucy Hooper of Coyne Medical in London explains the mechanism.
- Hooper notes 'Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is one of the hardest diagnoses to receive,' representing a shift 'away from blunt systemic toxicity and towards precision treatment that targets specific biological markers.' Standard options are severely limited.
- Ovarian Cancer Action specifies Elahere is available for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer who have tried platinum chemotherapy and whose tumors are 'folate receptor-alpha positive.' Eligibility criteria are strictly defined.
- Researchers see potential for broader application beyond ovarian cancer. Hooper notes the target protein exists in higher amounts in cancers of the womb, cervix, and lung, suggesting future development possibilities.
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42 Articles
42 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources42
Leaning Left7Leaning Right11Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Center, 38% Right
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center, 38% of the sources lean Right
38% Right
L 24%
C 38%
R 38%
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