The Current Landscape of PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this study is to discuss the background of PARP inhibitors and to provide an overview of the utility of these drugs for treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer.Recent FindingsNumerous phase I –III trials are presented within the manuscript that outline the safety and efficacy of several PARP inhibitors in women with primary and recurrent ovarian cancer. There are now three FDA-approved PARP inhibitors for use in ovarian cancer patients in the USA: olaparib, niraparib, and rucaparib. Th ese drugs have activity both alone and in combination with other agents, including chemotherapy and targeted anti-cancer drugs. Although PARP inhibitor toxicities often overlap with chemotherapy including myelosuppression, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress, there are idiosyncratic differences i n adverse event profiles and peculiar aspects of each drug. Additionally, the indications for use differ with respect to line of chemotherapy, whether a germline or somaticBRCA mutation is required, and maintenance versus active treatment intention. Although these were initially thought to be only applicable to patients with germlineBRCA mutations, we now know that other patients benefit from these agents alone and in combination.SummaryThe first PARP inhibitor was approved for use in the USA less than 3  years ago, but we are rapidly gaining knowledge about when and in which settings to use these drugs. Continued focused study with clinical trials will enable u...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - Category: OBGYN Source Type: research