PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer: An overview of the practice-changing trials

Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2021 May;60(5):385-397. doi: 10.1002/gcc.22935. Epub 2021 Jan 11.

Abstract

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have transformed the management of recurrent ovarian cancer in patients with BRCA-mutations and beyond. Olaparib was the first PARP inhibitor to gain approval as maintenance therapy for patients with newly diagnosed, advanced BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer establishing a new standard of care. At the end of 2020, as a result of the SOLO1, PRIMA, and PAOLA-1 phase III trials, we are now in an era where three maintenance PARP inhibitor strategies have FDA and European Medicines Agency approval in the first-line setting. In this review, we provide an overview of the key PARP inhibitor trials that have changed clinical practice, discuss directing therapy according to biomarker status (BRCA and homologous recombination deficiency) and future strategies in ovarian cancer and other gynecological malignancies.

Keywords: BRCA; HRD; PARP inhibitors; maintenance therapy; ovarian cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic

Substances

  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors