Olaparib

US Brand Name(s): Lynparza

Use in Cancer Treatment

Olaparib is to treat the following conditions:

  • Breast cancer that is HER2-negative, contains specific germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene abnormalities and has spread (spread to other parts of the body). Olaparib is to treat individuals with cancer who have had chemotherapy before or after surgery, or who have metastatic disease.
  • Advanced ovarian cancer due to hereditary mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Olaparib is for individuals who have had at least three prior kinds of chemotherapy.
  • Ovarian epithelial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer are all examples of ovarian cancer. Adults who have had a complete or partial response to platinum chemotherapy are given olaparib as maintenance treatment. 
    • As a first-line maintenance treatment in individuals with advanced cancer who have specific germline or somatic BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
    • In patients with advanced cancer who have genomic instability and/or specific germline or somatic mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, bevacizumab is a first-line maintenance treatment.
    • In recurrent cancer patients.
  • Pancreatic cancer is a kind of cancer that affects the pancreas. Olaparib is a maintenance treatment for individuals with metastatic cancer who have not progressed following first-line platinum chemotherapy and have specific hereditary BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
  • Prostate cancer that has spread to other organs, contains germline or somatic alterations in genes involved in homologous recombination repair, and is resistant to castration (has not responded to treatments that lower testosterone levels). Olaparib is a drug that treats individuals whose cancer has progressed following therapy with enzalutamide or abiraterone.

Detailed scientific definition – Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 

Olaparib Facts on MedlinePlus

A summary of key information regarding this medication in layman’s terms, which may contain the following:

  • Cautions about this medicine
  • What is the use and how?
  • Whom should you consult before taking it?
  • What you should know about it before using it?
  • Other drugs that might interact with it
  • Possible negative effects

Drugs are frequently under research to see whether they can assist treat or prevent conditions other than those already prevalent. This patient information leaflet covers uses which have been under authorization. Much of the material, though, might also apply to authorized uses that are being investigated.