What You Need To Know About Folate Receptor-Alpha Positive Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian cancers with high FR-alpha expression, known as folate receptor-positive cancer, exhibit elevated folate receptors on cancer cell surfaces.
- Folate receptors, acting like “doors” on cell surfaces, allow vitamin B9 (folate) entry, crucial for cell growth in healthy and cancerous cells.
- Targeted therapies, guided by folate receptor expression, offer precision in attacking cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
- Specialized testing, like immunohistochemistry (IHC), helps quantify folate receptor levels, aiding treatment decisions in ovarian cancer.
In ovarian cancer, most cells have these receptors, found in about 80% of new and recurring cases. When FRα levels are high, it shows the cancer is spreading faster, guiding treatment decisions.
Read MoreWhat is folate receptor?
Folate receptors are like doors found on cell surfaces that open to allow the essential vitamin B9 (also known as folate) to enter. Folate plays an important role in the growth and division of cells, whether they are healthy or cancerous.In ovarian cancer, the levels of folate receptors can become very elevated, especially on the surfaces of cancer cells. Doctors use the heightened amount of folate receptors to tailor treatments that specifically target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.
Measuring folate receptor levels help decide on more precise and effective treatment options. This can potentially improve outcomes and reduce side effects for patients with ovarian cancer.
How do I know if my cancer is folate receptor positive?
To check for folate receptor in ovarian cancer, doctors usually need a piece of tumor tissue. They can get this during surgery or with a biopsy if the cancer comes back.
Doctors use a special test called immunohistochemistry (IHC) to measure FRα protein levels. This test helps them see how many folate receptors are on the cancer cells.
But doctors don’t always check for folate receptors in ovarian cancer. Patients should talk to their doctor about this test and push for it if they think it may help give more information about their cancer.
Testing early gives important info for planning future treatment. It can lead to better outcomes down the road.
Related: When Ovarian Cancer Returns, Is the New Drug Elahere an Option & Will Insurance Cover It?
How can I get tested at no cost?
Some patients can have folate receptor expression tested at no cost in Cleveland and elsewhere in the United States.
- You have epithelial ovarian cancer
- You live in the United States or a US Territory
- You have not been tested before
- You don’t have a known FRα expression from a previous test
- Your doctor says you need it
NeoGenomics partners with ImmunoGen to offer the FR-ASSIST program.
Labcorp also participates in the FR-ASSIST™ FOLR1 Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Sponsored Testing Program.
What treatments are available for FRα Positivity?
Elahare is a medication approved by the FDA to treat ovarian cancer in adults who are not responding to platinum-based chemotherapy and who have already received 1-3 types of chemotherapy.
Elahare targets cancer cells with high levels of a protein called folate receptor-α (FRα). By attaching to FRα, Elahare stops cancer cells from growing and dividing, while leaving healthy cells alone. It is given intravenously once every 3 weeks as part of a treatment cycle.
Elahare has shown improved responses in patients who haven’t responded well to other treatments. It may increase survival compared to no treatment or ineffective therapies and may enhance quality of life by slowing disease progression.
Compared to traditional chemotherapy, Elahare’s targeted approach may have fewer side effects on healthy tissues. But there are still safety considerations and side effects that can occur.
Safety Concerns
- Serious eye problems
- Lung inflammation (Pneumonitis)
- Nerve problems (Peripheral Neuropathy)
Common Side Effects
- Feeling tired
- Increased liver enzymes in the blood
- Nausea
- Stomach-area (abdominal) pain
- Decreased red or white blood cell counts
- Diarrhea
- Decreased albumin level in the blood
- Constipation
- Decreased magnesium level in the blood
Another important consideration: If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor. You should use effective birth control during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose of Elahare.
Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose.
Remember to discuss Elahare with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s suitable for your specific situation. The earlier you have this discussion in treatment the sooner you can gather valuable information that could help treat your cancer more effectively.
Related: Considering The New Ovarian Cancer Treatment Elahere?
Questions for your doctor
- Am I a good candidate for an immunohistochemistry (IHC) test?
- How does folate receptor positivity affect my treatment options?
- Are there any targeted therapies or clinical trials available for folate receptor-positive cancer?
- What are the potential side effects of treatments for folate receptor-positive cancer?
- How often will I need follow-up testing or monitoring for folate receptor-positive cancer?
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