Dr. Zakashansky on Repeat Exposure to PARP Inhibitors in Patients With Ovarian Cancer

Konstantin Zakashansky, MD, gynecologic oncologist and associate professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Mount Sinai Health System, discusses repeat exposure to PARP inhibition in patients with platinum-sensitive, relapsed ovarian cancer.

There are data supporting the sequential usage of multiple PARP inhibitors in patients; however, this is still under clinical development, says Zakashansky. Although there are not a lot of data available on this approach, many have been doing this and responses have been reported. Because of the pharmacokinetics between the different PARP inhibitors, there may be an application for that sequential usage in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin) or with immunotherapy, adds Zakashansky.

Currently, numerous trials are examining the specific question of whether PARP inhibitors can be re-used in patients who have previously been exposed, concludes Zakashansky.