Refining PARP Inhibitor Use in Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Gynecologic medical oncologists at Hackensack University Medical Center are refining the use of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors to treat ovarian cancer and exploring maintenance therapy options for patients with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-positive tumors.
“Ovarian cancer — which includes ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers — is known as the silent killer because it is often in stage 3 or 4 at the time of diagnosis,” said Donna M. McNamara, M.D, gynecologic and breast medical oncologist at Hackensack University Medical Center. “As a result, it can be tough to eradicate and comes with a 70 percent recurrence rate.”
Dr. McNamara said PARP inhibitors are targeted drugs that stop cancer cells from repairing damaged DNA, causing cancer cell death. Compared to chemotherapy, PARP inhibitors are lower-toxicity and have a more favorable side effect profile, making them particularly useful as a long-term treatment for blocking the cancer cell repair mechanism in patients with HRD-positive cancers.
“We are using PARP inhibitors including olaparib, niraparib and rucaparib for maintenance therapy after surgical and chemotherapy treatment and have observed significant progression free survival,” said Dr. McNamara. “These medications have proven to be effective at preventing cancer recurrence and extending survival.”
Through genetic testing and next-generation sequencing of tumor tissue, Dr. McNamara said the team is able to identify cancer characteristics that allow them to select a personalized treatment regimen for each patient. In the future, the team plans to participate in clinical trials studying combination therapies — including PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy drugs used along with chemotherapy.
“We were involved in some of the early approval studies for PARP inhibitors,” said Dr. McNamara. “As a result of the significant real-world benefit we’re seeing from these medications, we want to explore their use alongside other agents to enhance treatment effectiveness and optimize quality of life.”
Click here for more information on Hackensack Meridian Health’s Gynecology program.