Dr. Essel on Repeat Use of PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer

Kathleen G. Essel, MD, gynecologic oncology fellow, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, discusses repeat exposure to PARP inhibitors in the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer.

Currently, there are no robust data on re-challenging patients with PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer, says Essel. It is an area of active investigation, as all 3 FDA approved PARP inhibitors—olaparib (Lynparza), rucaparib (Rubraca), and niraparib (Zejula)—hold indications in the frontline maintenance setting for patients with BRCA1/2 mutations.

The ongoing phase IIIb OReO trial will be the first study to examine re-challenging patients with PARP inhibitors, adds Essel. In the study, patients with relapsed nonmucinous epithelial ovarian cancer and a BRCA1/2 mutation will be randomized to receive either maintenance re-treatment with 300 mg of twice daily olaparib (Lynparza) or placebo until radiological disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The study began in June 2017 and has an expected completion date of May 2021.