Current and Future Developments of PARP Inhibitors in the Treat ment of Breast and Ovarian Cancer

The use of Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors has recently been expanded. PARP inhibitors were initially only registered for patients with BRCA mutated high-grade serous epithelial ovarian, including primary peritoneal and fallopian tube cancer (EOC). Currently, PARP inhibitors are also registered for patients with recurrent EOC who are in a complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy, irrespective of their BRCA status. Current findings indicate that patients with BRCA mutations and/or a BRCA like tumour defined by a BRCAness profile, benefit the most. Combination therapies of PARP inhibitors with immunotherapy and/or angiogenesis inhibitors are fast evolving and studied from first line therapy to recurrent disease. This review summarizes the current findings, obstacles and future developments of PARP inhibitor with a focus on female cancer.