Ovarian Cancer Research and News 
July 2017
Treatments for ovarian cancer haven't changed much since I was diagnosed over 18 years ago. The protocols have been pretty much the same.

Until now. PARP Inhibitors (Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors) are offering real hope to many in our community.

Initially thought to be of benefit only to women who are BRCA-positive, we now know that PARP inhibitors can benefit patients with ovarian cancer regardless of whether they have inherited risk factors. 

We've gathered some articles here for you that help tell the story of PARP inhibitors and where this exciting research is leading. While it may not be a CURE for ovarian cancer, PARP inhibitors seem to be a big step forward in progression-free survival for many women.
- Jeanene Smith, Associate Director
Ending a Dry Spell in OC Treatment
After eight years with no new treatments for ovarian cancer, PARP inhibitors and anti-angiogenics are benefiting patients.

The drugs work by preventing cancer cells from repairing their DNA, which can be damaged by chemotherapy or radiation. Their indication in women with BRCA mutations is aimed at exploiting the lack of DNA repair capabilities in BRCA-mutated cells, which, when bolstered by PARP inhibitors’ prevention of DNA repair, results in something called synthetic lethality.

That occurs when, due to problems with the expression of two or more genes, cancer cells die, whereas they could live if only one gene was experiencing such glitches.

Follow this link to read more:  CURE Magazine
How Do PARP Inhibitors Work?
Thanks to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, you can learn just how PARP Inhibitors work.

Keep educating yourself and you'll deserve a medical degree soon!

Watch an instructive VIDEO HERE!
What PARPs are out there?
Talk to your doctor about whether you would benefit from a PARP inhibitor and, if so, which one.

Currently, there are THREE that have been FDA-Approved:
  • Olaparib (aka Lynparza from AstraZeneca) - approved in 2014 - Learn More
  • Rucaparib (aka Rubraca from Clovis Oncology) - approved in late 2016 - Learn More
  • Naraparib (aka Zejula from Tesaro) - approved March 2017 - Learn More
Links to more information regarding PARPS: