folate receptor alpha positive

Describes cells that have a protein called folate receptor alpha on their surface. This protein is involved in the movement of folate into cells. Folate is a nutrient rapidly dividing cells need to make and repair DNA. Some ovary, breast, lung, and endometrium cancers may be folate receptor alpha positive. Cancer cells that make too much folate receptor alpha may grow more quickly and spread to other parts of the body. Knowing whether a cancer is folate receptor alpha positive may help plan treatment.