Olaparib for Prostate Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the use of olaparib (also known as Lynparza, a type of targeted cancer therapy) for treating prostate cancer, specifically in cases where the cancer has not spread. The study focuses on patients with prostate cancer who have specific genetic mutations affecting DNA repair. Researchers aim to determine if taking olaparib earlier in the disease process is effective, rather than waiting until the cancer advances. Participants should have undergone prostate surgery, possibly radiation, and show no signs of cancer spreading on recent scans. The trial is for those who haven't recently used certain hormone therapies and can take oral medication. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, allowing participants to contribute to significant advancements in prostate cancer therapy.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
You may need to stop taking certain medications before joining the trial. Specifically, if you are using strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors or inducers, you will need to stop them for a washout period of 2 to 5 weeks, depending on the medication, before starting olaparib.
Is there any evidence suggesting that olaparib is likely to be safe for humans?
Research shows that olaparib is generally safe for patients with advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy. Studies have found that patients using olaparib often experience manageable side effects. For example, one study found that 85% of patients did not have increased pain after six months of treatment, suggesting the treatment is manageable.
However, like most medications, olaparib can cause side effects. These may include tiredness, nausea, and low levels of red blood cells (anemia). It's important to remember that these side effects can vary for each person.
Overall, current research indicates that the safety of olaparib is promising. Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable to understand what to expect and to ensure it is the right choice.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for prostate cancer?
Olaparib is unique because it belongs to a class of drugs called PARP inhibitors, which work by targeting and blocking a protein that cancer cells need to repair DNA damage. Unlike traditional treatments for prostate cancer, such as hormone therapy or chemotherapy, olaparib specifically exploits the weakness in cancer cells with DNA repair defects, like those with BRCA mutations. This targeted approach not only has the potential to be more effective in these specific genetic contexts but may also offer a better side effect profile, making it an exciting option for researchers and patients alike.
What evidence suggests that olaparib might be an effective treatment for prostate cancer?
Research has shown that olaparib, the treatment under study in this trial, may effectively treat advanced prostate cancer, especially in patients with certain genetic mutations. In one study with 49 patients, 11 experienced a significant decrease in PSA levels, a marker used to monitor prostate cancer. Patients who showed improvement on scans also had lower PSA levels, indicating the drug's effectiveness. Another study found that patients taking olaparib lived longer, with an average survival of 19.1 months compared to 14.7 months for those on other treatments. Additionally, 85% of patients on olaparib did not experience increased pain after six months, compared to 75% in the control group. Overall, olaparib has shown significant benefits in treating prostate cancer, particularly for those with specific genetic profiles.12356
Who Is on the Research Team?
Catherine H Marshall, MD
Principal Investigator
Johns Hopkins University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Men with high-risk, non-metastatic prostate cancer post-prostatectomy can join this trial. They should have a rapidly rising PSA level, good physical condition (ECOG 0-1), and no prior ADT or strong CYP3A inhibitors in the last 6 months. Participants need normal organ/bone marrow function and agree to use effective contraception.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive olaparib at 300mg twice daily until PSA doubling, development of metastatic disease, or unacceptable toxicity
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Long-term follow-up
Participants are monitored for PSA progression-free survival and treatment-related adverse events
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?
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
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