Breakthrough ovarian cancer drug offers patients more time and better quality of life

Author: bbc.comPublished on: June 4, 2026Country: England

Health

Breakthrough ovarian cancer drug offers patients more time and better quality of life

A breakthrough ovarian cancer drug called mirvetuximab soravtansine is now available on the NHS. It acts as a 'biological missile' by delivering chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, reducing side effects. Patient Patricia Hill, 64, says the drug has enabled her to go to the theatre and visit family. It extends average survival from 12.8 to 16.5 months and improves quality of life.

Stay informed with NewsBoulevard

Get the latest news summaries delivered to your inbox

Related News

CAPPA hails Senate on SSB tax bill, urges Reps to protect Nigerians’ health

HealthPoliticsNigeria

Chioma Obinna•2h ago

CAPPA hails Senate on SSB tax bill, urges Reps to protect Nigerians’ health

The Nigerian Senate passed a landmark bill reforming the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), replacing the current flat N10-per-litre excise duty with a percentage-based levy tied to retail price and earmarking part of the revenue for health promotion. CAPPA commended the Senate as a major breakthrough against non-communicable diseases, which account for nearly one in three deaths in Nigeria. CAPPA Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi urged the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process. He also praised Senator Ipalibo Banigo, the bill's sponsor, for championing public health policies.

Africa: Unsafe Food Causes 866 Million Illnesses and 1.5 Million Deaths Annually, Young Children At Highest Risk

HealthWorld / InternationalGlobal (with focus on Africa and South-East Asia)

allafrica.com•3h ago

Africa: Unsafe Food Causes 866 Million Illnesses and 1.5 Million Deaths Annually, Young Children At Highest Risk

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that unsafe food causes about 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths annually worldwide. Children under five, though only 9% of the global population, suffer nearly one-third of all foodborne diseases, primarily deadly diarrheal illnesses. Chemical hazards such as methylmercury and lead in food can also harm children's brain development. The greatest burden is in Africa and South-East Asia, and productivity losses from these diseases are estimated between US$310 billion and US$647 billion.

Congo-Kinshasa: 'We Are Catching Up' - Who Chief On DR Congo's Ebola Fight

HealthDemocratic Republic of the Congo

allafrica.com•4h ago

Congo-Kinshasa: 'We Are Catching Up' - Who Chief On DR Congo's Ebola Fight

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo shows signs of progress, with 344 confirmed cases and 60 deaths. Suspected cases dropped from over 1,000 to 116. Uganda has recorded one death and 15 confirmed cases. Three vaccines are in development for the rare Bundibugyo strain.

Stay Updated with NewsBoulevard

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news summaries delivered to your inbox

Learn more