How it works:
Olaparib inhibits the enzyme PARP, responsible for repairing DNA damage in cells. Tumours with BRCA mutations rely on PARP-mediated repair, so blocking it leads to cancer cell death. It is particularly effective in patients with inherited cancers resistant to standard chemotherapy.
Recommended for:
Women with relapsed high-grade serous ovarian cancer with BRCA mutation
Patients with BRCA-positive breast cancer
Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
As maintenance therapy following platinum-based chemotherapy response
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma
BRCA-mutated metastatic breast cancer
Castration-resistant prostate cancer
DNA repair deficiency-related malignancies
Take orally as directed by your oncologist, with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole without chewing. The duration and dosing are individualised and require regular blood tests and liver function monitoring.
Hypersensitivity to olaparib or excipients
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Severe liver or kidney dysfunction
Paediatric population
History of MDS or AML
Anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
Nausea, vomiting, indigestion
Fatigue
Headache, dizziness
Elevated blood creatinine
Allergic reactions
Rare cases of pulmonary complications
