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How effective is Lynparza (olaparib)?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on July 5, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Key Points

Lynparza (olaparib) is an oral medicine approved for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and peritoneal cancer; breast cancer; pancreatic cancer; and prostate cancer that is metastatic (has spread in the body). It is also approved to as an adjunct to treat HER2-negative, high-risk early breast cancer with BRCA mutations.

How effective is Lynparza for ovarian cancer?

In advanced ovarian cancer, Lynparza can help keep ovarian cancer from growing or returning after you have had a response to platinum-based chemotherapy that you received before Lynparza.

Lynparza has also shown positive results in other studies in women with advanced ovarian cancer when used with bevacizumab (Avastin). Talk to your doctor about Lynparza and how it may work for you.

How effective is Lynparza for breast cancer?

HER2-negative, metastatic breast cancer with BRCA mutations

Lynparza is used to help shrink or slow the growth inherited of BRCA-mutated, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

You should have already received chemotherapy medicines, either before or after your cancer has spread. If you have hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer, you should have been treated with hormonal therapy.

HER2-negative, high-risk early breast cancer with BRCA mutations

Related questions

How effective is Lynparza for pancreatic cancer?

Lynparza can be used as a maintenance treatment for patients with a form of pancreatic cancer that has abnormal genes (gBRCA mutations). It can be used when the cancer has not progressed after at least 16 weeks of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

How effective is Lynparza for prostate cancer?

Lynparza is also used to treat metastatic prostate cancer with certain inherited or acquired abnormal genes (HRR gene mutations) which no longer responds to previous treatments or surgery.

What are the most common side effects with Lynparza?

Lynparza is also associated with other common or serious side effects and warnings. Review the product labeling to learn more and speak with your health care provider before treatment begins.

Learn more: Drugs.com Lynparza Patient Information

This is not all the information you need to know about Lynparza (olaparib) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Lynparza information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Read next

Why has Xtandi stopped working and what do I take next?

Prostate cancer cells, like bacteria, can evolve over time and become resistant to treatments, including the hormone therapy and androgen receptor inhibitor Xtandi (enzalutamide). The cancer cells work to reprogram their environment and develop strategies that enable them to transform and survive.

If treatment with Xtandi stops working then other treatments may be offered, such as:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Radiotherapy

Stopping treatment with Xtandi may also result in an antiandrogen withdrawal response (AAWR), which can cause the cancer to stop growing or shrink for the period of time.

Continue reading

How long does Xtandi work?

Xtandi is typically taken until prostate cancer starts to progress or spread (metastasize), or until the patient can no longer tolerate therapy because of the side effects or adverse events it causes.

In clinical trials, Xtandi was effective at delaying the time to disease progression in men with advanced prostate cancer. In men who had not received prior treatment with chemotherapy, Xtandi was also effective at delaying the need for treatment with a cytotoxic chemotherapy agent.

In the AFFIRM trial, treatment with Xtandi extended life by almost 5 months in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Continue reading

How long do you take Orgovyx for?

Orgovyx (relugolix) is taken once daily for as long as it remains effective and side effects are manageable. Prostate cancer often requires long-term hormone control, and studies show Orgovyx can be used safely for up to 48 weeks. Continue reading

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