Niraparib for Advanced Breast Cancer with Germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations: the EORTC 1307-BCG/BIG5-13/TESARO

Nicholas C Turner1, Judith Balmaña2, Coralie Poncet3

  • 1Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden, London, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Insights

Niraparib showed activity in patients with advanced breast cancer with germline BRCA mutations. Despite informative censoring in the control arm, the study suggests niraparib is a viable treatment option.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Clinical Trials
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Advanced breast cancer with germline BRCA mutations (gBRCAm) presents a significant therapeutic challenge.
  • PARP inhibitors like niraparib have shown promise in this patient population.
  • Evaluating niraparib's efficacy against physician's choice chemotherapy is crucial for treatment optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy and safety of niraparib compared to physician's choice chemotherapy in patients with gBRCAm advanced breast cancer.
  • To determine the impact of niraparib on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Main Methods:

  • The BRAVO trial was a randomized, open-label, phase III study comparing niraparib to physician's choice chemotherapy.
  • Eligible patients had HER2-negative advanced breast cancer with gBRCAm and prior chemotherapy exposure.
  • The primary endpoint was centrally assessed PFS, with secondary endpoints including OS, local-PFS, objective response rate (ORR), and safety.

Main Results:

  • Recruitment was halted due to futility and informative censoring in the control arm.
  • Median centrally assessed PFS was 4.1 months for niraparib versus 3.1 months for physician's choice chemotherapy (HR, 0.96).
  • Objective response rate was 35% with niraparib compared to 31% with physician's choice chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Informative censoring in the control arm limited definitive hypothesis assessment.
  • Despite this, the study provides evidence of niraparib's activity in patients with gBRCAm advanced breast cancer.
  • Niraparib demonstrates potential as a treatment option for this patient group.

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