The ovarian cancer medication, Lynparza, has shown to be an effective option for ovarian cancer treatment. It also may even help prevent ovarian cancer from spreading further in the ovaries. The FDA has just recently approved this cancer medication for a possible medical defense. Studies are still being conditioned on how potent it will be for certain ovarian cancer patients.
New Ovarian Cancer Medication Becomes FDA Approved
Researchers are expecting the medication to maintain effective cancer therapy. It also reduces the existing daily ovarian cancer medication capsule amount patients take by more than half.
Road to approval
The FDA’s Accelerated Approval program approved the ovarian cancer medication in December 2014. Since 2014, over 3,000 ovarian cancer patients have used Lynparza as a treatment for ovarian cancer.
Lynparza is the first FDA-approved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. Poly ADP-ribose polymerase refers to related enzymes with an ability to catalyze the transfer of ADP-ribose to target proteins in the body and help repair DNA. Cancer therapy clinical trials use poly ADP-ribose polymerase because the hyperactivation of their pathway in the body is exploited to selectively kill cancer cells.
What the FDA approval will mean
The use of two Lynparza capsules takes the place of the eight capsules of the existing ovarian cancer medication. The beneficiaries of the newly approved medication are those in treatments for the following:
- Fallopian tube complications
- Primary peritoneal cancer
- Recurrent, epithelial ovarian cancer
Proceed with caution
With any new medication, consult with your gynecologic oncologist for recommendations on Lynparza. The medication is still in the beginning stages of approval. It may take time for doctors to see if how effective it is for ovarian cancer patients.
Gynecological Oncology Services at Nevada Surgery and Cancer Care
The doctors in our gynecological oncology services have extensive knowledge of women’s health issues and stay informed of the latest treatment options and medication. Schedule an appointment with our doctors today to discuss your options for ovarian cancer treatment.