Olaparib
This page contains brief information about olaparib (Lynparza) and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.
FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed.
Use in Cancer
Olaparib is approved to treat:
- Breast cancer that is HER2 negative, has certain germline mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, and has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body). Olaparib is used in patients whose cancer has been treated with chemotherapy given before or after surgery or for metastatic cancer.
- Ovarian cancer that has certain germline mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene and is advanced. Olaparib is used in adults who have already been treated with at least three other types of chemotherapy.
- Ovarian epithelial, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. Olaparib is used as maintenance therapy in adults who are having a complete or partial response to platinum chemotherapy. It is used:
- As first-line maintenance therapy in patients with advanced cancer that has certain germline or somatic mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
- With bevacizumab as first-line maintenance therapy in patients with advanced cancer that has genomic instability and/or certain germline or somatic mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
- In patients with recurrent cancer.
- Pancreatic cancer. Olaparib is used as maintenance therapy in adults with metastatic cancer that has not progressed after first-line therapy with platinum chemotherapy and has certain germline mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
- Prostate cancer that is metastatic, has germline or somatic mutations in certain genes involved in the homologous recombination repair pathway, and is castrate resistant (has not responded to treatments that lower testosterone levels). Olaparib is used in adults whose cancer has gotten worse after treatment with enzalutamide or abiraterone.
Olaparib is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
More About Olaparib
Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.
MedlinePlus Information on Olaparib - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:
- warnings about this drug,
- what this drug is used for and how it is used,
- what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
- what you should know about this drug before using it,
- other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
- possible side effects.
Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.
Research Results and Related Resources
Can an Antibiotic Treat Cancers that Become Resistant to PARP Inhibitors?
With Two FDA Approvals, Prostate Cancer Treatment Enters the PARP Era
PARP Inhibitors Show Promise as Initial Treatment for Ovarian Cancer
Trial Highlights Complexities of Targeted Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Clinical Trials Accepting Patients
Find Clinical Trials for Olaparib - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.