Dr. Backes on Experience With PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer

Floor J. Backes, MD, an associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James, discusses the role of PARP inhibitors as treatment of patients with ovarian cancer and her experience with these agents, such as rucaparib (Rubraca).

Backes says she has had a lot of experience with rucaparib in her practice, as her institution has participated in clinical trials for this agent. Rucaparib is approved by the FDA and is utilized for patients with ovarian cancer in both the maintenance and recurrent settings.

The PARP inhibitors are a great class of drugs, Backes says. However, they are associated with adverse events that the patient should be prepared for. Toxicities are manageable with the use of different medications or dose reductions, and researchers have learned how to make these agents tolerable both in the maintenance and recurrent settings.