Skip to main content

Test for FRα via IHC early to understand her treatment options at platinum resistance1,2

FRα=folate receptor alpha; IHC=immunohistochemistry.

Test Details & Options Testing Details & Options Testing Locations Hear From a Pathologist Why Testing Matters Why Testing Matters How to Test What Results Mean

Test for FRα with the FDA-approved VENTANA FOLR1 IHC assay3-5*

FRα Early Testing

Testing can be done as early as diagnosis

  • Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue collected at any time, including at diagnosis, debulking, or after chemotherapy
FRα IHC Testing

FRα expression is identified via IHC, not with genomic testing

  • It may need to be requested as an add-on (for example: in addition to a broad NGS panel)

Preanalytical factors can impact test accuracy. See the VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR1-2.1) RxDx Assay Method Sheet and Interpretation Guide to review protocol details, and you can refer to the joint guidelines by ASCO and CAP on improving tissue quality through standardizing essential preanalytical practices.6

ASCO=American Society of Clinical Oncology; CAP=College of American Pathologists; FOLR1=folate receptor 1; NGS=next-generation sequencing.

FRα (FOLR1) IHC biomarker testing options4

FRα Early Testing

In-house testing

  • The VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR1-2.1) RxDx assay can be run in-house on BenchMark ULTRA IHC/ISH, a fully automated instrument
  • FRα is detected with the OptiView DAB IHC Detection Kit
FRα IHC Testing

Send out for commercial testing

  • Over a dozen US central labs do FOLR1 testing
  • FOLR1 IHC may be automatically included in a panel, added manually with a checkbox, or offered as standalone IHC, so be sure to check with your preferred lab about FOLR1 IHC availability

Specifically request FRα (FOLR1) testing for your appropriate patients, as it may not be automatic

*The VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR-2.1) RxDx assay is a qualitative immunohistochemical assay using mouse monoclonal anti-FOLR1, clone FOLR1-2.1, intended for laboratory use in the assessment of folate receptor alpha (FOLR1) protein in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer tissue specimens by light microscopy.4
ISH=in situ hybridization.

Commercial Testing locations

FRα (FOLR1) IHC testing can be performed at the following US laboratories. To learn more, reach out to an ELAHERE representative.

  • AmeriPath/PhenoPath (Quest)
  • Caris
  • Foundation Medicine
  • Fulgent Oncology
  • Genomic Testing Cooperative
  • GenPath
  • GoPath
  • Guardant
  • Labcorp
  • Myriad
  • NeoGenomics
  • PathGroup
  • Tempus

Information is intended as educational only for US patients only, is not intended as a complete listing of available testing options, and is not regularly updated. While diagnostic testing may assist providers in identifying appropriate treatment for patients, the decision and action should be decided by a provider in consultation with a patient. AbbVie is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, any of the listed laboratories. AbbVie shall have no liability arising from testing at listed laboratories. The information provided here should in no way be considered a guarantee of coverage, reimbursement, availability, or patient assistance. Providers should contact third-party laboratories for information. All trademarks are properties of their respective owners. AbbVie received permission from third-party laboratories for all use of their logos, company names, and associated information.

A pathologist shares her perspective on FRα in ovarian cancer

Listen to Dr Michelle Shiller talk about why testing for FRα is a critical step for treatment planning

Need more information
about FRα (FOLR1) testing?

A representative can answer additional questions
you may have about testing for FRα with FOLR1 IHC.

REQUEST A REP

Take a look at
the clinical data

Explore the results of ELAHERE vs
standard chemotherapy.

VIEW THE DATA
  1. Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Ovarian Cancer Including Fallopian Tube Cancer and Primary Peritoneal Cancer V.3.2025. © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Accessed October 28, 2025. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.
  2. James RL, Sisserson T, Cai Z, et al. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2024;148(11):1226-1233. doi:10.5858/arpa.2023-0149-OA
  3. US Food and Drug Administration. Premarket approval letter for VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR-2.1) RxDx Assay. November 14, 2022. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf22/P220006A.pdf
  4. VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR1-2.1) RxDx Assay. Package insert. Roche; 2022.
  5. Despierre E, Lambrechts S, Leunen K, et al. Gynecol Oncol. 2013;130(1):192-199. doi:10.1016/j.ygyno.2013.03.024
  6. Compton CC, Robb JA, Anderson MW, et al. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2019;143(11):1346-1363. doi:10.5858/arpa.2019-0009-SA