Dr. Kaklamani on the Use of Adjuvant Olaparib in Germline BRCA1/2-Mutant Breast Cancer

Virginia G. Kaklamani, MD, professor of medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas (UT) Health San Antonio, leader, Breast Cancer Program, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the use of adjuvant olaparib in germline BRCA1/2-mutant breast cancer.

The phase 3 OlympiA trial (NCT02032823) is evaluating treatment with olaparib (Lynparza) in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations and high-risk HER2-negative breast cancer.

The OlympiA trial demonstrated that patients with germline BRCA1/2-mutant, high-risk breast cancer can benefit from receiving olaparib for one year in the adjuvant setting, Kaklamani says. This is the first adjuvant trial in breast cancer showing improved survival with a PARP inhibitor, Kaklamani explains.

Investigators are now examining whether the use of a PARP inhibitor can prevent cancers in those with a germline BRCA1/2 mutation, Kaklamani continues. The results from OlympiA have also set the stage for further research examining whether it is beneficial to combine olaparib with a checkpoint inhibitor in this patient population, Kaklamani concludes.