Quality of Life Measurement in PARP Inhibitor Trials of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer - What Do We Know?

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), dominated by high-grade serous carcinoma, continues to impose a heavy global burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although advances in surgery and chemotherapy have extended survival, relapse within 2 years remains common, underscoring the need for novel strategies. Poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have transformed maintenance therapy by prolonging progression-free survival, yet their influence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is less well characterized. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) serve as key tools for evaluating the impact of treatment on physical, emotional, and social well-being. Trials including SOLO1, NOVA, and ARIEL3 demonstrate the increasing recognition of QoL endpoints, though heterogeneity in tools and endpoints limits cross-trial comparisons. Several gaps persist including limited data collection beyond disease progression. This review integrates evidence from published studies, highlights methodological challenges, and proposes directions for future work, emphasizing the centrality of patient-centered outcomes in advancing precision medicine for ovarian cancer. The evidence underscores the imperative of designing trials that incorporate QoL as a core endpoint, ensuring meaningful benefits for patients in both clinical and real-world settings.