Find actively recruiting PARP inhibitor clinical trials in the UK. Learn how olaparib, niraparib, and rucaparib target BRCA mutations in ovarian, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.
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PARP inhibitors are a class of targeted therapy that blocks the PARP (poly-ADP ribose polymerase) enzyme, which cancer cells rely on to repair DNA damage. In cancers with BRCA mutations or other DNA repair defects, blocking PARP causes fatal DNA accumulation — a concept called synthetic lethality.
Healthy cells have two DNA repair pathways: PARP (for single-strand breaks) and homologous recombination (for double-strand breaks, which requires BRCA proteins). Cancer cells with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations already have a broken HR pathway. When PARP inhibitors block the remaining repair pathway, cancer cells cannot fix their DNA and die. Normal cells with working BRCA survive. Olaparib (Lynparza), niraparib (Zejula), and rucaparib (Rubraca) are approved PARP inhibitors.
Actively recruiting studies in the United Kingdom
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BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumour suppressor genes that repair damaged DNA. Inherited mutations in these genes increase cancer risk (breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic). Being "BRCA-positive" means you carry a mutation — this actually makes your cancer more responsive to PARP inhibitors because the cancer cells are more dependent on the PARP repair pathway.
Yes. NICE has approved olaparib, niraparib, and rucaparib for specific indications, primarily ovarian cancer maintenance therapy and BRCA-mutated breast and prostate cancer. Eligibility criteria vary by cancer type and prior treatment. Clinical trials provide access to newer PARP inhibitors and combinations.
Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, anaemia, and low blood counts. Most are manageable with dose adjustments. Less commonly, PARP inhibitors can increase the risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) — regular blood monitoring is essential. Side effects are generally milder than chemotherapy.
PARP Inhibitors is used across multiple conditions. Select your condition for targeted results.
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