Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer
Immunotherapy works with the body’s immune system to find, attack, and kill cancer cells. These drugs can work in different ways. Some boost the immune system, so it can fight cancer better. Other immunotherapy drugs help the immune system better recognize cancer cells.
These are the latest immunotherapy drugs for ovarian cancer that have been approved. New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list.
Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your health care team. Be sure to tell your health care team about any side effects you do have.
Intravenous =
Pill =
Treatment Type
FRα Inhibitor
Drug Name
Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) (IV)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Eye problems
Potential Side Effects
Abnormal lab tests
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dry eye
Eye problems
Fatigue/weakness
Gastrointestinal problems
Nausea/vomiting
Neuropathy
Important Things to Know
- Elahere is made for the treatment of adults with FRα-positive platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer after 1-3 systemic treatments.
- Elahere is given as an IV (in the vein) infusion every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur.
- Elahere is associated with serious ocular side effects that must be carefully monitored.
Treatment Type
Monoclonal Antibody: PD-1 Inhibitor
Drug Name
Keytruda® (Pembrolizumab) (IV)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Lung problems
Potential Side Effects
Constipation
Cough
Diarrhea
Fatigue/weakness
Fever
Hair thinning/loss
Headache
Weight/appetite changes
Nausea/vomiting
Skin/nail changes
Shortness of breath
Urinary, kidney, or bladder changes
Important Things to Know
- This treatment can be effective if your tumor tests MicroSatellite Instability (MSI)-high.
- This treatment keeps tumor cells from hiding from your immune system.
- Infection or swelling around the lungs is a potential side effect.
- Pain in the muscles, bones, joints, or stomach is a potential side effect.