Background: Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women, often diagnosed at advanced stages. Recent advances in targeted therapy, particularly the use of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors like rucaparib, have improved treatment outcomes in this patient population. However, real-world data regarding the patient characteristics, criteria for rucaparib use and treatment patterns remain limited.
Aim and Objective: This study aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and criteria for rucaparib selection among ovarian cancer patients in India, focusing on identifying predictors of treatment response and safety profile.
Materials and Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, observational study enrolled adult women with ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer across nine Indian sites from June 2023 to January 2024. Eligible patients had ECOG performance status scores 0-4 and received rucaparib as maintenance treatment and were categorized based on platinum sensitivity. Patient characteristics, prior treatments, genetic mutation status, and adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Descriptive statistics summarized patient demographics, treatment patterns, and safety data.
Results: The study included 36 patients with a mean age of 57.1 years. Most patients (86.1%) had ovarian cancer, primarily high-grade serous carcinoma, and presented at advanced stages (III-IV) with metastasis. BRCA mutations were present in 66.7% of patients, and rucaparib was mainly administered to patients with platinum-sensitive or partially sensitive relapsed cancer. The most common adverse events reported were anemia (27.8%) and fatigue (22.2%). Dose adjustments due to toxicity were required in 16.7% of patients, with 16.7% discontinuing rucaparib due to adverse events.
Conclusion: Rucaparib was well-tolerated in Indian ovarian cancer patients, with anemia and fatigue as common adverse events. Patients with BRCA mutations and platinum-sensitive disease were the primary candidates for rucaparib, though additional factors may influence treatment selection. Further research is needed to refine patient criteria and optimize treatment strategies.
Keywords: BRCA mutations, Ovarian cancer, PARP inhibitors, Platinum-sensitive, Real-world evidence, Rucaparib
