PARP inhibitors are a type of targeted therapy used to treat certain types of cancer. They are most often used to treat ovarian or breast cancer. The goal of PARP inhibitors is DNA repair systems in cancer cells. When are PARP inhibitors used and what are the side effects of taking them?
PARP inhibitorsare a group of pharmacological agents belonging topoly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors , which is found in our cells and helps in the repair of DNA damage. In this way, it prevents the emergence of genetic mutations.PARP inhibitorsare a kind of so-called targeted anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of hereditary tumors, e.g. ovarian cancer. Examples of drugs on the market that are PARP inhibitors are:
- olaparib (trading name Lynparza)
- rucaparib (trade name Rubraca)
- niraparib (trade name Zejula)
PARP inhibitors - mechanism of action
Neoplastic cells damage key genes (mutations), resulting in their uncontrolled growth. Cancer cells also retain the DNA repair systems of he althy cells in order to survive and divide freely.
One system that supports this process ispoly (ADP-ribose) polymerase , which protects cancer cells from accumulating too much DNA damage, which could kill them.
PARP inhibitors block the catalytic center of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, resulting in an accumulation of DNA damage (mutations) and cytotoxicity leading to cancer cell death and tumor growth inhibition.
PARP inhibitors - application
The use of PARP inhibitors is particularly important in cancers with already existing defective DNA repair systems. An example is cancers with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which occur in hereditary forms of breast and ovarian cancer.
Therefore, drugs that block additional repair systems, such as PARP inhibitors, can be extremely effective in treating them.
PARP inhibitors are currently used to treat the following types of cancer :
- ovarian cancer
- breast cancer
- tubal cancer
- primary peritoneal cancer
Moreover, intensive clinical trials are conducted on the use of PARP inhibitors in such cancers as:
- lung cancer
- pancreatic cancer
- head and neck tumors
- brain tumors
- prostate cancer
- stomach cancer
- esophageal cancer
- uterine cancer and cervical cancer
- kidney cancer and bladder cancer
PARP inhibitors in the treatment of cancer can be used as a single drug or in combination with other drugs and treatments such as radiotherapy.
Typically PARP inhibitors are taken in the form of tablets or capsules once or twice a day.
PARP inhibitors, in addition to their use in cancer therapy, are considered drugs that may be used in the treatment of stroke, myocardial infarction and neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
PARP inhibitors - side effects
PARP inhibitors, like all medications, can cause side effects. Typical sside effects after the use of PARP inhibitors include :
- increased risk of infections
- increased risk of bleeding
- tiredness and shortness of breath due to drop in blood cells
- nausea and / or vomiting
- diarrhea
- indigestion and taste changes
- headaches
- dizziness
- liver and kidney disorders
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