Targeted Combination of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Lacking Evidence of Benefit: Focus in Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

The emergence of targeted therapeutics in ovarian cancer, particularly poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi’s), has created additional opportunities for patients seeking frontline and recurrent disease management options. In particular, PARPi’s have shown clinical benefits in BRCA mutant and/or homologous recombination deficient (HRD) ovarian cancer. Until recently, response was thought to be limited in BRCA wild-type, homologous recombination proficient (HRP) cancers. Therefore, attempts have been made at combination therapy involving PARPi to improve patient outcomes. Additionally, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated underwhelming results involving ovarian cancer. Many are searching for reliable biomarkers of immune response to increase efficacy of ICI therapy involving ovarian cancer. In this review, we examine the evidence supporting the combination of PARPi and ICIs in ovarian cancer, which is still lacking.

Navigating immunotherapy for ovarian cancer: current landscape and future perspectives

“…The focus of this manuscript is on epithelial OC, representing the most prevalent subtype, accounting for 90% of ovarian cancer cases. This decision is guided by the substantial clinical and pathological differences observed between epithelial and nonepithelial ovarian cancers [2] . The current protocol typically entails initial tumor reduction surgery succeeded by a regimen of platinum-based and taxane-based chemotherapy for ongoing management.…”