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PARP inhibitors and cancer therapy - early results and potential applications

C Jones1, E R Plummer

  • 1Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.

The British Journal of Radiology
|October 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors show promise in cancer treatment. Early clinical studies explore their use with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, particularly in melanoma and BRCA-related cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors represent a novel therapeutic class in oncology.
  • Pre-clinical data suggest PARP inhibitors can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and act as monotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review early clinical findings on the application of PARP inhibitors.
  • To highlight their use in combination regimens and specific cancer types.

Main Methods:

  • Review of published early clinical studies.
  • Analysis of combination therapies involving PARP inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Early clinical data indicate potential for PARP inhibitors in combination with temozolomide for malignant melanoma.
  • Exploration of their utility in familial (BRCA-related) cancers is ongoing.

Conclusions:

  • PARP inhibitors are a promising addition to cancer treatment strategies.
  • Further clinical investigation is warranted to define their role in various malignancies.

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