PARP inhibitors and ovarian cancer

PARP proteins help repair DNA inside cells. When an ovarian cancer has certain repair weaknesses, blocking PARP can make it harder for those cancer cells to recover from DNA damage.

The oncology team may consider tumour profiling, BRCA testing, the response to earlier treatment and the person's general health. A pelvic ultrasound can investigate symptoms or findings, but it does not by itself decide whether a PARP inhibitor is suitable.

Ask which genetic or tumour result is relevant and whether testing should include inherited changes. Share a full list of medicines and supplements, and tell the team about pregnancy plans, breastfeeding, kidney or liver problems.

Take the medicine as directed if prescribed. Monitoring may include blood counts and checks of organ function. Contact the team about persistent nausea, appetite loss, marked tiredness, bruising or other new effects before changing treatment.

Contact the oncology team promptly for fever, unusual bleeding, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, new breathlessness or symptoms that are getting worse quickly. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, fainting or heavy bleeding.

Ask whether your cancer has a relevant DNA-repair finding, how the medicine fits with chemotherapy or surgery, what monitoring is planned and which symptoms need same-day advice.