Dr. Wise on the Development of Precision Medicine in Prostate Cancer

David R. Wise, MD, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Medicine, assistant professor, Department of Urology, NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, discusses ongoing trials at NYU that are investigating precision oncology hypotheses.

Two trials are directed at two main genetic features of cancer. The first feature is seen in cancers that have DNA-repair defects; cancers that have the BRCA1/2 gene that are known for their role in causing hereditary ovarian and breast cancer syndrome.

Less known is that men are affected with these syndromes as well. Men who are first-degree male relatives of patients with breast and ovarian cancer are at risk and should undergo genetic testing. Conversely, if tumors are found with those features, earlier phase studies reveal sensitivity to a neuro-class of compounds called PARP inhibitors.

There are two available trials at NYU, both incorporating the PARP inhibitor, rucaparib (Rubraca). In another trial, investigators are coupling a newer PARP inhibitor called talazoparib (BMN-673) with an immunotherapy PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor with the hope of seeing synergism between the two drugs.