Dr. Harper highlighted the potential role of the PARP inhibitor olaparib (Lynparza) as maintenance therapy in patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Data from a phase II study (N. Engl. J. Med. 2012:366:1382-92) suggest that it too can improve PFS, with the potential for women to do better if they have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
As for immunotherapy, “PD-L1 is very interesting,” Dr. Harper observed. “We know the trials are taking place in ovarian cancer, but it’s much further down the line than in other tumors as ovarian cancer accounts for only 5%-6% of all female cancers, so obviously they’ve tried it in breast cancer and lung cancer first.” Overall, “it’s very hopeful that treatments which are now being used in relapse will be introduced first line and will make a difference,” Dr. Harper said.