New treatment possibilities in ovarian cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutations

04/2017

Doc. MUDr. Michal Zikán, Ph.D.

Onkogynekologické centrum, Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha

SUMMARY

A new drug using a unique mechanism of action - an intervention in DNA repair - is being introduced into the treatment of ovarian cancer. Olaparib is a drug of the so-called PARP inhibitor group. Interference with the mechanism of DNA repair is particularly effective in BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers, in whom one of reparation ways is primarily faulty by a germ-line or somatic mutation. Olaparib in the treatment of platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer in BRCA1/2 mutation carries leads to prolonged progression-free survival and increased overall survival.

KEY WORDS

olaparib, PARP inhibitors, BRCA1, BRCA2, ovarian cancer