In 2020, olaparib (Lynparza) and rucaparib (Rubraca) were FDA-approved for the treatment of men with castrate-resistant prostate cancer who have a BRCA-1 and/or BRCA-2 mutation.
Olaparib and rucaparib are chemotherapy-type drugs that come in the form of a pill and are typically milder than most chemotherapies. Studies have found that around 50% of patients with a BRCA mutation will achieve prostate cancer regression with the use of these medications. Other men, without a BRCA mutation, may also respond to these medications, but the response rate is much lower, and thus, the FDA approval was limited to men with BRCA mutations. Studies are ongoing, however, investigating if there are other genetic markers (for example, the ATM mutation) or different combinations of drugs using PARP inhibitors that can achieve the kind of response rates and therapeutic benefits needed to expand the indication of PARP inhibitors in prostate cancer so that more men in advanced situations will have another tool--and a relatively mild one--to fight their prostate cancer.
In this video, PCRI's Alex and medical oncologist Mark Scholz, MD give a survey of PARP inhibitors--what they are, which side effects to expect, and when a patient should use them in their sequence of treatments--and the increasingly available genetic testing that men can use to determine whether or not they could benefit from the use of these kinds of drugs.
0:06 What is a PARP inhibitor and how are they used in prostate cancer?
1:04 Are PARP inhibitors systemic therapies that circulate throughout the entire body?
2:51 Are PARP inhibitors FDA-approved and accessible for patients in the United States?
3:11 How common are BRCA mutations?
4:30 If a patient has a BRCA mutation, when in the sequence of treatments would PARP inhibitors make the most sense?
6:22 How would a patient manage the side effects of PARP inhibitors since they are pills and will not be under medical supervision like with traditional chemotherapy?
7:12 Do you look for a PSA response with PARP inhibitors? If so, in what time frame do you expect to see the PSA decline?
7:46 What is a BRCA mutation? Are there any other situations in which a man without a BRCA mutation could consider PARP inhibitors?
9:37 Should PSMA PET scans be used to monitor a patient's progress who is on PARP inhibitors?
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Who we are:
The Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to helping you research your treatment options. We understand that you have many questions, and we can help you find the answers that are specific to your case. All of our resources are designed by a multidisciplinary team of advocates and expert physicians, for patients. We believe that by educating yourself about the disease, you will have more productive interactions with your medical professionals and receive better-individualized care. Feel free to explore our website at pcri.org or contact our free helpline with any questions that you have at pcri.org/helpline. Our Federal Tax ID # is 95-4617875 and qualifies for maximum charitable gift deductions by individual donors.
The information on the Prostate Cancer Research Institute's YouTube channel is provided with the understanding that the Institute is not engaged in rendering medical advice or recommendation. The information provided in these videos should not replace consultations with qualified health care professionals to meet your individual medical needs.
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