Therapeutic strategies targeting folate receptor α for ovarian cancer

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Translational Cancer Research
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) poses a significant clinical challenge due to limited treatment options.
• Folate receptor alpha (FRα), highly expressed in EOC, is a promising therapeutic target.
• Current research explores various FRα-targeting strategies for EOC treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the function of FRα and the clinical efficacy of FRα-based therapeutics for EOC.
• To highlight advancements in FRα-targeting agents, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
• To discuss the first FDA-approved FRα-targeting ADC, mirvetuximab soravtansine, for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of basic and translational studies on FRα and its targeted therapies.
• Analysis of clinical trial data for FRα-based treatments in ovarian cancer.
• Summary of approved FRα-targeting agents and their mechanisms of action.

Main Results:

• FRα is a validated target in EOC, with multiple therapeutic modalities showing promise.
• Mirvetuximab soravtansine (MIRV) is the first FRα-targeting ADC approved for platinum-resistant EOC.
• Various FRα-based therapies, including ADCs, monoclonal antibodies, and conjugates, are under investigation.

Conclusions:

• FRα-targeting therapies represent a significant advancement in EOC treatment, particularly for resistant disease.
• Mirvetuximab soravtansine offers a new therapeutic option for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
• Further research into FRα-targeting agents and management of associated adverse events, such as ocular toxicity, is warranted.