Dr. Matulonis Discusses Niraparib/Pembrolizumab Combo in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer

Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, director, Gynecologic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School, discusses the TOPACIO trial, which explored preliminary activity and safety of niraparib (Zejula) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, during the 2018 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting.

The phase I/II trial, which enrolled 62 women, identified the recommended phase II dose of niraparib at 200 mg daily and pembrolizumab at 200 mg daily.

In women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who do not have a BRCA mutation, there was a 26% response rate. Matulonis notes that this result is noteworthy, as single-agent response rates with PARP inhibitors or immunotherapy agents in this patient population are under 10%. In women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who do have a BRCA mutation, there was a 29% response rate.

These results are very exciting, and Matulonis says she believes this combination should move forward into larger clinical testing.