PARP inhibitors are new drugs that help women cope with recurrent ovarian cancer. Pills prevent the regeneration of cancer cells after chemotherapy, reduce tumor size and delay disease recurrence.
PARP inhibitors are recommended for women with mutations of BRCA genes (those among patients with ovarian cancer about 15%). But recent studies have shown that the drug can benefit another 35% of patients with different genetic profiles.
Diagnosis of ovarian cancer at early stages is hampered by the lack of an effective screening test for breast cancer was mammography. Five-year survival after diagnosis in women with ovarian cancer is about 50%.
So far the only approved drug class of PARP inhibitors is Linarte, but some experts doubt that the drug actually helps patients live longer. A strong argument against is the high price of the tablets: The Wall Street Journal writes that Lanparty month course will cost 12 thousand dollars.
48-year-old American Sean Rubinek ovarian cancer was diagnosed five years ago. Linarto she began to take in December 2015, when her illness came back a second rose. The last CT scan showed that tumor size decreased two-thirds, and blood tests show a decrease in tumor activity.The drug caused a reduction in the number of red blood cells, leading to anemia, but the problem was solved by cutting the dose of PARP inhibitors in two times.
BRCA gene mutations prevent DNA repair of the cells, so women are at increased risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. But these mutations, in combination with PARP inhibitors, subsequently, help fight cancer, preventing cancer cells to regenerate itself.
Associated diseases:
Breast cancer CancerThe tumor
The death rate from ovarian cancer is reduced
European society of medical Oncology said that in General the death rate from ovarian cancer is declining in the world. According to forecasts, the favorable trend will last until 2020. Experts believe that the main reason for this phenomenon is the use of birth control pills, which in the long term protect women from the development of dangerous disease.