Dr. Miller on the Safety, Efficacy of Veliparib Vs Other PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer

Eirwen M. Miller, MD, a gynecologic oncologist at Allegheny Health Network, West Penn Hospital, discusses the safety and efficacy of veliparib (ABT-888) vs other PARP inhibitors usedin the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer.

There are other indications for PARP inhibitors other than veliparib in a treatment setting, according to Miller. Olaparib (Lynparza) is approved in a treatment setting, as well as niraparib (Zejula) in conjunction with immunotherapy, Miller explains. As such, PARP inhibitors are not only best served in the maintenance setting, Miller explains.

Although the addition of veliparib to chemotherapy was tolerated, there is not substantial evidence to suggest that the agent is as active as other PARP inhibitors that have received regulatory approval, Miller notes. However, other PARP inhibitors were not found to be as well tolerated as veliparib when combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy, Miller concludes.