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Response to olaparib in metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with germline BRCA2 mutation: a case report
1Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Mutation of BRCA2, a breast cancer susceptibility gene, is associated with the development of breast and ovarian cancer. Olaparib is an oral poly-adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, which has been proven to treat BRCA-mutated tumors effectively, especially breast and ovarian cancer. Here, we report a case of a germline BRCA2-mutated metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, responded well to olaparib. A 41-year-old man with no history of smoking was diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. The patient was treated with bevacizumab, pemetrexed disodium, and cis-platinum in the first-line therapy of 6 months, followed by bevacizumab, Abraxane, and sintilimab treatments for another 6 months. As disease progression was confirmed and the presence of germline BRCA2 mutation, the combinational treatment of olaparib/anlotinib was applied to achieve partial response 1 month later, and the progression-free survival was extended for another 5 months. This study shows metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with BRCA2 mutation could also respond well to PARP inhibitor, broadening the spectrum of BRCA-mutated cancers suitable for olaparib therapy. With acquired resistance to chemotherapy, bevacizumab, and immunotherapy, the patient still gained significant benefits from the targeted therapy.
Insights
A patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma and a BRCA2 mutation showed a positive response to olaparib, a PARP inhibitor. This suggests PARP inhibitors may be effective for a wider range of BRCA-mutated cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- BRCA2 gene mutations are linked to breast and ovarian cancers.
- Olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, is effective against BRCA-mutated tumors, particularly in breast and ovarian cancers.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old male non-smoker was diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.
- The patient received initial chemotherapy and immunotherapy, followed by bevacizumab and Abraxane, but experienced disease progression.
- Germline BRCA2 mutation was identified in the patient.
Findings:
- Combination therapy with olaparib and anlotinib resulted in a partial response and extended progression-free survival by 5 months.
- The patient showed significant benefit from targeted therapy despite resistance to prior treatments.
Implications:
- Metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with BRCA2 mutation can respond well to PARP inhibitors.
- This finding expands the potential use of olaparib to a broader spectrum of BRCA-mutated cancers.
- Targeted therapy offers a viable option for patients with advanced lung cancer who have developed resistance to conventional treatments.

