Chemotherapy directly followed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition as an alternative to surgery in patients with BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer: a potential management strategy in the era of coronavirus disease 2019

Abstract

This communication has been published in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and is available via expedited publication to assist patients and healthcare providers.

COVID-19 and Gynecologic Oncology: What Have We Learned?

“…In one case series, two patients — both with unresectable disease — underwent 6 and 9 cycles of NACT respectively, and ultimately had complete clinical response by CA-125 and imaging findings. Both patients were transitioned to maintenance Olaparib in lieu of IDS, and both remain without evidence of disease [ 26 ]. Given that IDS is considered semi-urgent during COVID-19, as well as the known responsiveness of BRCA-mutated patients to PARP inhibition, the authors suggest consideration of PARP-I maintenance in BRCA + patients who have complete clinical response to NACT.…”

“…Given that IDS is considered semi-urgent during COVID-19, as well as the known responsiveness of BRCA-mutated patients to PARP inhibition, the authors suggest consideration of PARP-I maintenance in BRCA + patients who have complete clinical response to NACT. While this strategy is only based on two cases, it does provide a viable alternative during this pandemic [ 26 ].…”