Mirvetuximab soravtansine

Say it: mir-veh-TUX-ih-mab sor-av-TAN-seen · Brand names: Elahere

Mirvetuximab soravtansine is a targeted medicine that delivers a strong cancer drug straight to cancer cells that have a protein called folate receptor alpha.

What it is

It is made of two parts joined together: an antibody that finds a protein called folate receptor alpha on cancer cells, and a strong cancer medicine. The antibody carries the medicine straight to the cancer cell, so more of it reaches the cancer and less reaches healthy cells. A test on your tumor shows if you can get this medicine.

Often used for

• ovarian cancer
• fallopian tube cancer
• primary peritoneal cancer (cancer of the lining of the belly)

How you get it

You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic. It is usually given once every 3 weeks, and you get medicines before each infusion to help prevent reactions and nausea. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Blurry vision or other vision changes. Use your eye drops as directed and do not drive if you cannot see clearly.
• Dry eyes or eye discomfort. Use lubricating eye drops as your team tells you.
• Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
• Nausea. Eat small, bland meals.
• Belly pain. Tell your team if it is new or gets worse.
• Diarrhea or constipation. Drink fluids and tell your team if it lasts.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Tell your team if it gets worse.

Call your care team right away if you have

• Any new or worse vision problems, eye pain, or sensitivity to light
• New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
• Very bad belly pain, swelling, or vomiting
• Trouble breathing, chills, flushing, or rash during or after the infusion

Before you start, tell your team

• If you have eye or vision problems or wear contact lenses
• If you already have numbness or tingling
• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take

Good to know

• This medicine can cause serious eye problems. You will have eye exams before you start and during treatment.
• Your team will ask you to use steroid eye drops and lubricating eye drops on a set schedule. Do not wear contact lenses unless your eye doctor says it is okay.
• This medicine can cause pneumonitis (swelling in the lungs). Tell your team about new breathing problems.
• This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for months after.

At home

• Use your steroid and lubricating eye drops exactly on the schedule your team gives you.
• Do not wear contact lenses during treatment unless your eye doctor says it is okay.
• Do not drive or use machines if your vision is blurry.

Questions to ask

• How do I use my eye drops, and for how long?
• How often will I see the eye doctor?
• Was my tumor tested for folate receptor alpha?
• What should I do if my vision changes?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
• Pain

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.