NHS agrees to roll out Olaparib (Lynparza) April 2023.

[Sailing-Todd]

The NHS has agreed to Olaparib for advanced prostate cancer with mutations in the BRCA genes.

‘Hundreds of patients with advanced prostate cancer could benefit from a breakthrough targeted therapy after the NHS agreed a landmark commercial deal to roll-out the drug.

The drug, olaparib (Lynparza®), targets cancers with mutations in the BRCA genes, and works by stopping cancer cells from being able to repair their DNA by blocking a molecule called PARP, which causes the cancerous cells to die.

Around 550 men with advanced prostate cancer will be eligible for this new drug each year in England. In advanced prostate cancer that has spread to another part of the body, clinical trials have shown that olaparib, taken as a tablet daily, can extend patients’ lives by an average of six months – from 12 to 18 months – allowing them more time with their friends and loved ones’.

[HopingForTheBest1]

I am BRCA2+, and was on Olaparib for 2 years (while only available in clinical trials prior to FDA approval, based on compassionate use). It worked well for 18 months with undetectable PSA.

My mutation then became "wild type", which meant it was no longer actionable

[lcfcpolo]

This is good news. In the UK though, testing for BRCA is not routine. I would encourage all UK members to ask there oncologist to test them. Thank you for posting this.