Overview of Folate Receptor Alpha (FOLR1) test

Available through our international laboratory collaboration with Mayo Clinic Laboratories

The Folate Receptor Alpha (FOLR1) test is a manual, semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay used to evaluate FOLR1 protein expression in tumor tissue specimens.

FOLR1 is a high-affinity folate-binding protein overexpressed in various malignancies, including:

• Ovarian cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Lung cancer
• Other epithelial cancers

It plays a significant role in folate transport into cells and has emerged as a predictive biomarker for FOLR1-targeted therapies (e.g., mirvetuximab soravtansine).

Clinical Utility

This test is valuable for:

• Determining FOLR1 expression levels in tumor tissues.
• Selecting patients who may benefit from FOLR1-targeted antibody-drug conjugate therapies.
• Supporting enrollment into relevant precision oncology clinical trials.

Specimen Requirements

• Specimen Type: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block or unstained slides.
• Preferred Source: Primary tumor or metastatic lesion.
• Slide Preparation: Typically 1–2 unstained slides at 4–5 μm thickness.

Clinical Background

• Overexpression of FOLR1 is linked to enhanced tumor cell proliferation and progression in certain epithelial cancers.
• The semi-quantitative manual IHC method ensures detailed, accurate scoring, helping guide personalized treatment planning in oncology.

Turnaround Time

• Estimated: 2–4 business days from specimen receipt at the reference laboratory.

Advantages of the Folate Receptor Alpha (FOLR1) Test

• Supports personalized cancer therapy decisions
• Performed by a globally recognized pathology team
• High sensitivity and specificity for FOLR1 detection
• Assists in targeted therapy planning