Purpose Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCTs) are highly malignant and very rare soft tissue sarcomas with a high unmet need for new therapeutic options. Therefore, we examined poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) expression in DSRCT tumor tissue and the combination of PARP inhibitor olaparib with the alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) in a preclinical DSRCT model. Methods PARP1 and SLFN11 have been described as predictive biomarkers for response to PARP inhibition. Expression of PARP1 and SLFN11 was assessed in 16 and 12 DSRCT tumor tissue samples, respectively. Effects of single-agent olaparib, and olaparib and TMZ combination treatment were examined using the preclinical JN-DSRCT-1 model. In vitro, single-agent and combination treatment effects on cell viability, the cell cycle, DNA damage and apoptosis were examined. Olaparib and TMZ combination treatment was also assessed in vivo. Results PARP1 and SLFN11 expression was observed in 100% and 92% of DSRCT tumor tissues, respectively. Olaparib treatment reduced cell viability and cell migration in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Drug synergy between olaparib and TMZ was observed in vitro and in vivo. Combination treatment led to a cell-cycle arrest and induction of DNA damage and apoptosis, even when combined at low dosages. Conclusion We show high PARP1 and SLFN11 expression in DSRCT tumor material and antitumor effects following olaparib and TMZ combination treatment in a preclinical DSRCT model. This suggests that olaparib and TMZ combination treatment could be a potential treatment option for DSRCTs.Keywords Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) · Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) · Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) · Olaparib · Temozolomide · Combination treatment Abbreviations DSRCT Desmoplastic small round cell tumor ES Ewing sarcoma PARP Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase SLFN11 Schlafen-11 SSB Single-stranded breaks STS Soft tissue sarcoma TMZ Temozolomide Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (https ://doi.org/10.1007/s0043 2-020-03211 -z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.