PARP (Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase) Inhibitors in Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: PARP (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase) inhibitors are used more frequently in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. Methods: We conducted a metaanalysis to check the strength of evidence on the use of PARP inhibitors for relapsed platinum-sensitive ovarian tumors. Results: A total of 4 randomized controlled trials were included in our analysis with a total of 1,264 patients (PARP n = 780). Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better in the PARP group in BRCA-positive patients (hazard ratio (HR) 0.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19-0.30; p < 0.00001). PFS was significantly better in the PARP group in BRCA-negative patients (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36-0.75; p < 0.00001). Similarly, we found a significant difference in overall survival (OS) between the two groups in BRCA-positive patients (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53-0.97, p= 0.03). Conclusion: PARP inhibitors in addition to standard platinum-based regimens along with subsequent maintenance therapy significantly improves PFS and OS with an acceptable side-effect profile in BRCA-positive women with recurrent, previously platinum-sensitive HGSOC.