PARP Inhibitors
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is an enzyme that helps repair DNA damage. PARP inhibitors are drugs that try to keep cancer cells from repairing damaged tumor DNA.
Although PARP inhibitors have side effects, these drugs are often easier to tolerate than chemotherapy drugs.
Drug name |
Brand name |
Used to treat early or metastatic breast cancer? |
Olaparib |
Lynparza |
Early and metastatic breast cancer |
Talazoparib |
Talzenna |
Metastatic breast cancer |
PARP inhibitors and BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited gene mutations
PARP inhibitors appear to hold the most promise for people who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutation [64-65,151-153].
BRCA1/2-related breast cancers have problems repairing tumor DNA. These breast cancers seem to be sensitive to DNA damage caused by PARP inhibitors. Treating BRCA1/2-related breast cancers with a PARP inhibitor makes it even harder for the breast cancer to repair itself, leading to tumor cell death.
Learn about genetic testing to guide breast cancer treatment.
Learn more about BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations.
Olaparib (Lynparza) and early breast cancer treatment
Olaparib (Lynparza) is FDA-approved for the treatment of HER2-negative early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence in people who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutation and have been treated with chemotherapy.
Study findings have shown people with a BRCA1/2 gene mutation who had HER2-negative breast cancer at high risk of recurrence and got olaparib had a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence than those who didn’t get olaparib [153]. Olaparib was given after chemotherapy was completed [153].
Olaparib is a pill. It’s taken twice a day, every day for a year [8].
You start taking olaparib after you’ve completed chemotherapy (and after radiation therapy, if you’re getting radiation therapy) [8]. Olaparib may be taken at the same as hormone therapy [8].
Learn about survival and risk breast cancer recurrence after treatment.
Olaparib and genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited gene mutations
Olaparib is only used to treat people with BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) inherited gene mutations. So, you’ll need to get genetic testing for BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations if olaparib is being considered in your treatment plan.
Learn about genetic testing and genetic counseling.
Learn more about BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations.
Side effects of olaparib
Some possible side effects of olaparib include low red blood cell counts (anemia), low white blood cell counts, nausea, vomiting and fatigue [154]. In rare cases, it can cause acute myeloid leukemia [154].
Under study – PARP inhibitors and neoadjuvant therapy
Olaparib and another PARP inhibitor, talazoparib (Talzenna), each in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (given before surgery), are under study for the treatment of early triple negative breast cancer [155-156].
Learn more about neoadjuvant therapy.
PARP inhibitors and metastatic breast cancer treatment
The PARP inhibitors olaparib (Lynparza) and talazoparib (Talzenna) are FDA-approved for the treatment of HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in people who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 inherited gene mutation.
Learn more about PARP inhibitors for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
Learn about emerging areas in treatment with PARP inhibitors for metastatic breast cancer.
Treatment guidelines
Although the exact treatment for breast cancer varies from person to person, guidelines help ensure high-quality care. These guidelines are based on the latest research and agreement among experts.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) are respected organizations that regularly review and update their guidelines.
In addition, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has treatment overviews.
Talk with your health care team about which treatment guidelines they use.
Prescription drug assistance
Prescription drug costs can quickly become a financial burden for you and your family.
Medicare and many insurance companies offer prescription drug plans. One may already be included in your policy, or you may be able to buy an extra plan for prescriptions.
Olaparib (Lynparza) is a pill, so it’s covered under your health insurance plan’s prescription drug benefit rather than the plan’s medical benefit. This means there are usually out-of-pocket costs, which can add up over time.
You may qualify for programs that help with drug costs or offer low-cost or free prescriptions.
Learn more about insurance plans and prescription drug assistance programs.
Learn about other financial assistance programs.
Komen Financial Assistance Program |
Susan G. Komen® created the Komen Financial Assistance Program to help those struggling with the costs of breast cancer treatment by providing financial assistance to eligible individuals. Funding is available for eligible individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment at any stage or living with metastatic breast cancer (stage IV). To learn more about this program and other helpful resources, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org. Se habla español. |
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Susan G. Komen®‘s position on fairness in oral cancer drug coverage |
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Insurance coverage of oral cancer drugs Cancer medications given by vein (through an IV) or injection (under the skin or into a muscle) are usually covered under a health insurance plan’s medical benefit. However, cancer medications that are pills (oral cancer drugs) are usually covered under a health insurance plan’s prescription drug benefit. As a result, people often find themselves facing high out-of-pocket costs when filling prescriptions for oral cancer drugs. Sometimes these costs can be thousands of dollars a month. The impact of high cost-sharing High prescription drug costs and the resulting out-of-pocket burden on patients are a barrier to care. They can prevent people from getting the medications prescribed by their health care providers. No one should be forced to get less appropriate treatment because an insurer gives more coverage for IV and injectable drugs than pills. Efforts to increase fairness in drug coverage Komen supports state and federal efforts to require insurers to provide the same or better coverage for oral cancer drugs as they do for IV and injectable cancer drugs. This would help make sure patients have access to affordable, appropriate treatment. Become a Komen Advocacy Insider Sign up to be a Komen Advocacy Insider and get informed when action is needed on drug coverage issues at the state or national level. |
Clinical trials
Research is ongoing to improve all areas of treatment for breast cancer.
New therapies are being studied in clinical trials. The results of these studies will decide whether these therapies become part of the standard of care.
After discussing the benefits and risks with your health care provider, we encourage you to consider joining a clinical trial.
Susan G. Komen® Breast Care Helpline |
If you or a loved one needs information or resources about clinical trials, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877- 465- 6636) or email clinicaltrialinfo@komen.org. Se habla español. |
BreastCancerTrials.org in collaboration with Susan G. Komen® offers a custom matching service to help find clinical trials that fit your needs.
Learn more about clinical trials.
SUSAN G. KOMEN® SUPPORT RESOURCES |
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*Please note, the information provided within Komen Perspectives articles is only current as of the date of posting. Therefore, some information may be out of date.
Updated 06/28/22