Will I get a PARP

[dramaredgerbil]

I have just completed 2nd line therapy Carbo/Caelyx. There has been reduction in tumours but it doesn’t constitute a partial response. I was hoping to go on Niraparib but I’ve read it’s only available if you’ve had a partial or complete response. I won’t see my consultant for a few weeks. I’m really worried as I can’t face chemo again. Nothing seems to be going in my favour. Does anyone know whether I’d get it or not?

[Lindaura]

Dear Drama,

I am afraid I can’t advise you about the PARP, except to say it is unlikely at this point.

As you seem to have a particularly stubborn cancer, my suggestion is to ask your Oncologist to refer you to one of the several Cancer research centres for a trial.

If you Search posts, put in Second Opinions and see what comes up.

Be brave.

It is worth looking into.

Hugs,

Laura

[dramaredgerbil]

Thanks Laura. I’ll look into this.

[Maxjor]

If there is reduction from your treatment, do you know why they are saying it is not a partial response? Not enough? I hate to say it but if you are being defined as not having even a partial response, I have to agree with Laura....and also agree to look into other opinions of what to try. Not all treatments are the same--and although we may have a similar diagnosis, each person's cancer reacts differently to different treatment. Hoping they (and they referring to a 2nd opinion or other opinion) find the one that gets you to the response you need! Hugs, Judy

[dramaredgerbil in reply to Maxjor]

Thanks Judy. Had word from my consultant and I should still get a PARP as I’ve had some response as long as my CA125 doesn’t climb too much. Here’s hoping.

[Gemimablackvelvet]

I’m breathing a sigh of relief for you.

I’m in almost the same position but a few weeks behind you. I’m on my 6th cycle of Carbo/Caelyx after my first recurrence. Had a good response after 3 months (50% reduction) but my tumours were really quite large and I worry they won’t have reduced enough to start Niraparib. I read your post with interest and found a lot of encouragement from it. If you can do it - I can too. Good luck with the Niraparib I hope to follow in your footsteps.

Love to you,

Angela xx

[dramaredgerbil in reply to Gemimablackvelvet]

Thanks Angela. Sounds like your tumours will have reduced enough.

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to dramaredgerbil]

Xx

[sticky3006]

Hello dramaredgerbil.

Well a reduction in size does count as a partial response surely? Thankfully your consultant has said yes to a PARP. Do you know when you will be starting? I've got everything crossed for you. Good luck,

sticky3006