Dr. Matulonis on Toxicities With Olaparib for Patients With Ovarian Cancer

Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, medical director, gynecologic oncology, Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers, institute physician, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses managing toxicities associated with olaparib for patients with ovarian cancer.

If a patient being treated with olaparib develops low-grade toxicities, such as grade I/II nausea or vomiting, Matulonis advises them to remain on the treatment. These side effects will typically improve over time.

However, if a patient has grade III/IV nausea, weight loss, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite, a break from olaparib is appropriate, she says. This is followed by a dosage reduction, such as 400 mg to 200 mg daily. This reduction is permitted to maintain for efficacy; however, if the dosage reduces to 100 mg daily, there are concerns for efficacy.

Clinicians can escalate a patient's dosage if the patient is easily managing the treatment and/or any side effects.