Dr. Markman on the Need for Comparative Trials With PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer

Maurie Markman, MD, physician and president of Medicine and Science at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and the editor-in-chief of OncologyLive, discusses the need for comparative clinical trials with PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer.

Although the data remain immature, the investigational PARP inhibitor veliparib has the potential to further expand the ovarian cancer armamentarium should it receive FDA approval, says Markman. However, as veliparib was tested in combination with chemotherapy, certain factors will need to be considered when selecting between veliparib or other PARP inhibitors, such as olaparib (Lynparza), rucaparib (Rubraca), and niraparib (Zejula).

Although additional PARP inhibitors are welcome in the ovarian cancer space, clinical trials are needed comparing the agents head-to-head, says Markman. Historically, ovarian cancer treatment consisted mainly of platinum-based chemotherapy plus paclitaxel until bevacizumab (Avastin) was added to the combination. Now, in the absence of comparative trials, treatment selection with PARP inhibitors is determined by toxicity and comorbidities rather than head-to-head efficacy data, concludes Markman.