Dr. Willmott on Using Genetic Testing to Inform PARP Inhibitor Selection in Ovarian Cancer

Lyndsay Willmott, MD, gynecologic oncologist, Arizona Oncology, discusses selecting among available PARP inhibitors for the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer based on genetic testing results.

Patients whose tumors harbor either a germline or somatic BRCA mutation are candidates for treatment with olaparib (Lynparza), according to Willmott. Eligible patients receive 2 years of treatment with olaparib following completion of platinum-based chemotherapy, Willmott explains.

Those with homologous recombination deficiency–positive disease would be best suited for treatment with olaparib plus bevacizumab (Avastin) as first-line maintenance therapy, based on results from the phase 3 PAOLA-1 trial (NCT02477644), Willmott explains. Moreover, data from the phase 3 PRIMA/ENGOT-OV26/GOG-3012 trial (NCT02655016) suggest that treatment with niraparib (Zejula) is a feasible option for all patients, regardless of genetic testing results, Willmott notes. 

Due to the variety of available PARP inhibitors in the frontline maintenance setting, genetic testing results can be a valuable tool for guiding treatment decisions, Willmott concludes.