New hope in cancer treatment: Let's talk simply about PARP Inhibitors

We know how challenging it is to live with cancer. But with the advancement of medical science, cancer treatment methods have improved a lot today. Instead of just chemotherapy or radiation therapy as in the past, there are now specific treatments that target and attack cancer cells only. PARP inhibitors are a type of drug that has brought new hope in the world of cancer treatment. Today, we will talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.

Simply put, what are these PARP Inhibitors?

To understand this, let's first think about the cells in our body. Every cell in our body contains something called DNA. This DNA is like a 'master plan' that contains all the instructions a cell needs to function. Sometimes this DNA can get damaged. When it gets damaged, our body has a special mechanism to repair it.

One of the key players in this repair process is a protein called PARP. PARP stands for Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. While the name sounds complicated, its job is simple: If there's a break or a break in the DNA, the PARP protein goes in and repairs it. This is essential for healthy cells.

But here's the problem. Cancer cells also use this PARP protein to their advantage. When cancer cells divide rapidly, their DNA is damaged. Then the cancer cell uses this PARP 'bass' to repair its DNA, grow further, and begin to spread throughout the body.

These are also called targeted therapies , because these drugs target and attack the weaknesses of cancer cells rather than normal healthy cells.

What types of cancer are these drugs used for?

PARP inhibitor drugs are usually used for more advanced or metastatic cancers. However, they are not given for all cancers. They are most effective for cancers associated with a specific genetic mutation.

The relationship between the BRCA gene and PARP inhibitors

There are protective genes in our body that prevent the formation of cancerous tumors. One of the main ones is the BRCA gene . One of the functions of this BRCA gene is to repair damage to DNA. This means that there are two main DNA repair systems in our cells: one is PARP, and the other is BRCA.

Now imagine that someone has a mutation in the BRCA gene from birth. That means their DNA repair system is already weak. Then their cancer cell relies almost entirely on that PARP system to repair their DNA.

So what happens when we give someone like that a PARP inhibitor? In addition to the already broken BRCA system, we also stop the PARP system that was working well. Then the cancer cell has no way to repair its DNA. Because of this 'double hit', the cancer cell is destroyed very easily.

Therefore, PARP inhibitors are a very effective treatment for cancers with BRCA gene mutations.

How is this treatment given and for how long?

One advantage of this treatment is that it doesn't have to be given as an injection. All of these PARP inhibitors come in the form of tablets or capsules. They are usually prescribed to be taken once or twice a day.

Sometimes, depending on the type of cancer you have, this drug may be given as the only treatment. Or, it may be given in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy. For example, after someone has been given chemotherapy and damaged cancer cells, this PARP inhibitor drug is started. Then, it completely eliminates the chance for those damaged cancer cells to repair themselves.

The duration of treatment varies from person to person. For some, this medication is given for a specific period of time, such as two to three years after chemotherapy has finished. For others, it is continued for as long as the medication works, meaning the cancer is under control. The best decision about this is to talk to your doctor and weigh the benefits of the treatment against the possible side effects.

Benefits and possible side effects of this treatment

PARP inhibitors may not cure cancer completely. However, their biggest benefit is that they increase "progression-free survival." Simply put, these drugs help to control the cancer and keep it under control for longer. This means that the patient has more time to live a relatively healthy life without the disease getting worse .

Like any cancer treatment, these can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

When should you call the doctor immediately?

It is very important to stay in close contact with your doctor throughout the course of this treatment. If you develop any new symptoms or if any of your existing symptoms worsen, notify your doctor immediately. He or she may be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe other medications to help with side effects such as nausea.

If you experience the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay :

• Signs of an infection: fever, chills, and shaking.
• Symptoms of a lung infection (Pneumonitis): Difficulty breathing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, or wheezing.
• Signs of a blood clot: sudden swelling, redness, and pain in a leg, or sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing.

If you experience any of these severe symptoms, you should immediately call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .

Cancer, cancer treatment, PARP inhibitors, targeted therapy, targeted therapy, BRCA, chemotherapy, side effects, Olaparib, Niraparib, Rucaparib, Talazoparib, breast cancer, ovarian cancer