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Updated: Feb 4, 2026
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Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
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Niraparib - A promising drug with hematological toxicity
Naga Sk Patibandla1, Dulabh K Monga2
11 Department of Internal Medicine, Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Summary
Niraparib effectively extends progression-free survival in recurrent ovarian cancer. However, severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia can occur, necessitating careful monitoring and dose adjustment.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of gynecologic cancer mortality due to late diagnosis.
- Standard treatment involves surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy.
- Maintenance therapies, including poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, offer new treatment avenues.
Observation:
- Niraparib, a PARP inhibitor, demonstrates efficacy in maintaining progression-free survival for recurrent ovarian cancer patients.
- Clinical trials show improved progression-free survival with niraparib, irrespective of BRCA mutation or homologous recombination deficiency status.
- Significant Grade 3 or 4 hematological events, including thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia, are observed with niraparib treatment.
Findings:
- Hematological abnormalities commonly occur within the first three cycles of niraparib therapy.
- Dose adjustments can reduce the incidence of hematological events beyond the third cycle.
- This report details two cases of severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in patients receiving niraparib, with one fatality due to septic shock.
Implications:
- Niraparib is a valuable option for ovarian cancer maintenance therapy.
- Close hematological monitoring and prompt management of adverse events are crucial for patient safety.
- Further research may explore strategies to mitigate niraparib-induced hematotoxicity.
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