What to expect from PARP inhibitor therapy for ovarian cancer

PARP inhibitors block proteins that help repair damaged DNA. Ovarian cancer cells with certain inherited or tumour-related repair changes may be less able to recover when this repair pathway is blocked. Your team may discuss genetic or tumour testing before recommending treatment. These medicines are taken by mouth on a schedule chosen for you, often as maintenance after another treatment has controlled the cancer.

Your clinician will review medicines, kidney and liver function, blood counts and any previous treatment. The goal may be to delay growth or keep the cancer controlled; your personal plan depends on the cancer's biology, previous therapies and overall health.

Take each dose exactly as prescribed and follow instructions about food, timing and missed doses. Do not double a dose unless your oncology team specifically tells you to. Keep a simple record of symptoms, temperature and medicines, including supplements, because interactions can matter.

Blood tests are used to check red cells, white cells, platelets and organ function. Your team may pause treatment, change the dose or recommend supportive care if results or symptoms require it. Small meals, fluids and planned rest can help with nausea or fatigue, but report symptoms rather than trying to manage severe effects alone.

Contact your oncology service promptly for fever, chills, new breathlessness, unusual bruising or bleeding, marked weakness, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhoea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or symptoms that rapidly worsen. These can signal infection, low blood counts, dehydration or another problem needing assessment.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, chest pain or uncontrolled bleeding. Keep your treatment card and oncology contact details available when you travel or attend another clinic.

Ask which PARP inhibitor is planned, why it fits your ovarian cancer, how genetic or tumour testing affects the choice, when blood tests will be taken, which symptoms need same-day advice, and what to do after a missed dose. You can also ask how long treatment is expected to continue and how response will be assessed.