Avastin/Parps

[rosebine]

What is the difference between these. Some ladies seem to be put on Avastin for maintenance and others the PARPs so they must work differently. Avastin was mentioned for me when first diagnosed but not since.

[Realistic]

I honestly don't know the difference , but no doubt one of our teale sisters will. Interesting question love SheilaFxxx

[SASSY196]

I have been on Avastin which is given intravenously. My understanding is that cancer cells generate their own blood supplies and Avastin blocks the creation of these supplies. Have not been on parps but think they block cancer cells from growing/ fixing themselves after damaged by chemo. Maybe look on cancer research site or Macmillan?

[Popmil in reply to SASSY196]

That was my understanding as well. I had 18 sessions 2 years ago. Still NED xx

[27-359]

I had Avastin during my first line chemo. It was added to chemo number three, and altogether I had eighteen infusions of it every three weeks. Initially alongside chemo, then on its own.

[Liz9526]

Avastin cuts off blood supply to cancer cell while parp inhibitors stop the cancer cells from DNA repairs, both lead to cancer cells dying. I understand Avastin can be given as maintenance drug regardless of BRCA status, however it must be started together with chemo and then for 12 months after last chemo. Parp inhibitors are given after finishing chemo. Lynparza (olaparib) is given as frontline maintenance drug for women with BRCA mutation or as maintenance for recurrent disease. Zejula (niraparib) can be given as frontline or maintenance drug regardless of BRCA status. Rubraca(rucaparib) is used only in recurrence setting. All parp inhibitors are pills to be taken at home. I am in the US and currently on Zejula and BRCA negative. My understanding of the parp inhibitors is based on US FDA prescribing information. I would ask your oncologist to explain their choice for you and why as the usage/availability can be different in different countries.

[JustKBO in reply to Liz9526]

Thanks for this. I’ve often wondered what the differences were.

[rosebine]

Thanks for replies, I knew someone would know the answer!

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi Rosebine

Thank you for your question. Liz9526 has provided some really helpful information but I just wanted to share the Ovacome information factsheet on targeted therapies with you: ovacome.org.uk/targeted-the.... Both Avastin and PARP inhibitors are types of targeted therapies, used to attack cancer cells while doing little damage to other normal cells.

Avastin works by damaging the blood supply to cancer cells and this can slow or stop the cancer’s growth.

PARP inhibitors such as Olaparib and Niraparib work by targeting the DNA of the cancer, affecting a protein called Poly ADP-ribose polymerase. This protein helps damaged cancer cells to repair themselves and PARP inhibitors stop this process.

If you would like to discuss any of this further with a member of the Ovacome support team, there are a range of ways to get in touch. You can contact us directly through this forum, via our Support Line on 0800 008 7054 or 07503 682311, by email at [e-mail] or via the Instant Chat function on our website. We are also available to talk by booking an individual video call if that may work better for you. All our services are available Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.

Best wishes

Annie

Ovacome Support

[testarossa71]

Hi rosebine (what a beautiful name),

I'm one of those who is on both Bevacizumab (Avastin) and a PARP inhibitor (Olaparib).

PARP inhibitors stop the cancer cells repairing themselves at DNA level, while Avastin helps to stop new blood supplies forming to cancerous cells, and kills/damages existing blood supplies to those growths.

Just recently a new PARP inhibitor (Niraparib) has become available to women who do not have the BRCA genetic mutations. Previously there was nothing (that I know of, at least). However, NICE has also just extended the license for Olaparib for use by non-BRCA+ women, if they are tested and found to be HRD (Homologous Recombination Deficiency) positive. This test has only become available in the last couple of months - samples have to be sent to the US. I've been tested and found to be BRCA- but HRD+, so qualify for both the Olaparib, and the Avastin.

I had Avastin with chemo (rounds 4-6) and three weekly as an infusion ever since. I'll have around 12 months of Avastin in all, while the Olaparib will continue until I have a recurrence.

I hope this helps, but if you still have questions, please do ask your consultant or CNS - that's what they're there for.

Very best wishes, Annie xx

[Horsesrock in reply to testarossa71]

Hi Annie, can I ask which hospital/consultant you are with? I’m in Edinburgh , just had Debulk, but it’s not been suggested to do an HRT test. I’m now asking the question. I have friend in similar position with CHristina Fotopoulou and she’s being tested for HRT. Thank you v much. Charlotte

[Horsesrock in reply to Horsesrock]

I should clarify i mean HRD not HRT … perhaps they took my brain in debulk😂

[testarossa71 in reply to Horsesrock]

Hi, have messaged you privately. Hope it’s helpful xx