Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibition: Evolving role in treatment of Ovarian Cancer

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this article is to briefly review the current treatments for ovarian cancer and examine the evolving use and benefits of Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibition [PARP inhibition] in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Method: A PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar literature search was conducted with search terms ovarian cancer, PARP inhibition, chemotherapy, gynecologic cancer, and Homologous recombinant deficiency. Twelve pertinent articles were retrieved and served as the basis for this clinical review. Results: A lack of evidence-based research to demonstrate that PARP inhibition is as efficacious as the current chemotherapy regimen remains. Conclusion: The standard treatment for ovarian cancer is cytoreductive surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy. Other treatment options include radiation, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. PARP inhibition has been shown to be an excellent treatment option for maintenance therapy in patients with ovarian cancer. Research suggests that PARP inhibition may be used as frontline therapy which would prevent patients with a less toxic treatment option. Further research is needed to determine if PARP inhibition will offer better or equivalent outcomes as the current first line treatment for ovarian cancer treatment