Howard S. Hochster, MD, FACP

Howard S. Hochster, MD, FACP, associate director for clinical research and director, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, director of oncology research, RWJBarnabas Health, discusses important takeaways from the randomized, double-blind, phase III POLO trial in pancreatic cancer. 

Investigators reported a progression-free survival benefit with olaparib (Lynparza) as maintenance therapy for patients with germline 

-mutated metastatic pancreatic cancer who had not progressed during first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

From this study, Hochster concludes that global genetic testing for germline 

-mutated disease should be implemented. Although 

 mutations are found in about 8% of all patients with pancreatic cancer, certain subgroups have a higher incidence.

Taking a thorough family history is also important, says Hochster. A patient with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer who develops pancreatic cancer should be tested for a 

 mutation to determine if they could benefit from treatment with olaparib.

Videos

Howard S. Hochster, MD, FACP, discusses important takeaways from the randomized, double-blind, phase III POLO trial in pancreatic cancer. 
 

Author | Howard S. Hochster, MD, FACP

Articles

Dr. Hochster on Take-Home Message of the POLO Trial in Pancreatic Cancer