Dr. Backes Discusses PARP Inhibitor Combinations in Ovarian Cancer

Floor J. Backes, MD, associate professor at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses combinations with PARP inhibitors in the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer.

The PARP inhibitors rucaparib (Rubraca), olaparib (Lynparza), and niraparib (Zejula), are all currently approved in the treatment landscape of ovarian cancer. Currently, there are trials of PARP inhibitors in combination with other agents, including immunotherapy, says Backes. For example, there is a trial opening at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center investigating the combination of mirvetuximab soravtansine and rucaparib.

Backes says that the rationale for combining PARP inhibitors with other agents is to increase the change of response. If different mechanisms work toward treating the cancer, developing resistance may be avoided.