Olaparib for Ovarian Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine the effectiveness of olaparib as a follow-up treatment for advanced ovarian cancer with a specific genetic profile (BRCAwt, homologous recombination deficient). Patients take olaparib as a pill twice daily, which could help prevent cancer recurrence after initial treatment. The study seeks participants diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer who lack a BRCA mutation but whose cancer cells show signs of repair difficulty. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of participants.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you must stop all current medications. However, you cannot use strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. If you are taking these, you need a washout period of 2 weeks for inhibitors and 3-5 weeks for inducers before starting the trial.
Is there any evidence suggesting that olaparib is likely to be safe for humans?
Research shows that olaparib is generally safe for patients. Safety data from earlier studies, such as the SOLO-1 trial, indicate that while some people may experience side effects, these are usually manageable. Common side effects include nausea and fatigue. A Japanese study with 181 ovarian cancer patients confirmed olaparib's consistent safety record, revealing no new safety issues. These findings support olaparib's known and reliable safety profile for those considering participation in a clinical trial.12345
Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Olaparib is unique because it targets ovarian cancer by inhibiting a protein called PARP, which plays a key role in DNA repair. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks rapidly dividing cells broadly, Olaparib specifically cripples cancer cells that are already weakened by their inability to repair DNA. This precision makes it especially promising for patients with BRCA mutations, offering a more tailored approach. Researchers are excited because it may enhance treatment effectiveness while potentially reducing side effects compared to standard chemotherapy.
What evidence suggests that olaparib might be an effective treatment for ovarian cancer?
Research has shown that olaparib effectively treats ovarian cancer. In one study, 67% of patients who took olaparib with bevacizumab did not experience cancer growth or recurrence, compared to 30% of those on a placebo. Another study found that patients on olaparib had a longer time before their cancer worsened or returned. Additionally, a review of several studies found that olaparib can significantly extend the lives of ovarian cancer patients. In this trial, participants will receive olaparib as a maintenance treatment, which could serve as a valuable ongoing option for advanced ovarian cancer.36789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Alexander B. Olawaiye
Principal Investigator
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for advanced ovarian cancer patients with BRCAwt and homologous recombination deficiency. Participants must have a good performance status, life expectancy over 16 months, normal organ/marrow function, measurable disease per RECIST 1.1 criteria, and no prior enrollment in this study or recent investigational drug use.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive maintenance olaparib monotherapy after frontline treatment with platinum-based therapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Olaparib
Olaparib is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Fallopian tube cancer
- Peritoneal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Alexander B Olawaiye, MD
Lead Sponsor
AstraZeneca
Industry Sponsor
Sir Pascal Soriot
AstraZeneca
Chief Executive Officer since 2012
Veterinary Medicine from École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, MBA from HEC Paris
Dr. Cristian Massacesi
AstraZeneca
Chief Medical Officer since 2021
MD from Marche Polytechnic University, Oncology training at Royal Marsden Hospital, Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and European Institute of Oncology
Pascal Soriot
AstraZeneca
Chief Executive Officer since 2012
Veterinary Medicine from École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, MBA from HEC Paris
Cristian Massacesi
AstraZeneca
Chief Medical Officer since 2021
MD from Marche Polytechnic University, Medical Oncology training at Royal Marsden Hospital, Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and European Institute of Oncology