Avastin v niraparib maintenance

[Horsesrock]

Morning!

I’m HGSOC stage 4 BRCA neg, HRP , one chemo left then onto maintenance. I have a choice of avastin or niraparib. My onc favours the PARP inhibitor. How have others made the choice?? From the research it seems v marginal either way. Thank you, Charlotte x

[Ova-whelmed]

I have been Avastin since December last year , I have exactly the same diagnosis as you. I've found it a positive experience and my last blood test were good. I finish after this cycle and then they will offer monitoring x

[Horsesrock in reply to Ova-whelmed]

Thanks for replying. So happy your bloods are ok.. hopefully permanently. I wish maintenance treatment was more clear cut but need to plum for one or other and not look back. X

[Ruebacelle]

I was on avastin as parps not available then put me in remission for a year

[Bluemoon3]

Hello Charlotte. I am also BRCA negative. I have had both with good results with each of them. The Avastin for 18 weeks on the ICON8 trial with few side effects. Continuing with it was not an option given to me, unfortunately. I then had 15 months remission followed by carboplatin & caelyx. I have been on niraparib since January. Initially on 200mg and then reduced to 100mg as my haemoglobin and iron levels were affected. My oncologist assured me that this dose was still effective. My latest scans have shown NED and currently feeling good and leading a relatively normal life - long may it last!. Both drugs require monthly visits to the hospital but the niraparib is in tablet form & only requires a blood test each time where as the Avastin is an infusion so takes a bit longer each visit. Everyone reacts differently to the drugs of course but hopefully whichever one you choose it will be a positive outcome. Good luck with your choice. Honor

[Horsesrock in reply to Bluemoon3]

Thanks Honor.. really helpful. V glad you are still NED x

[RoseMS]

My understanding: Avastin prevents new blood lines forming, PARP prevents cancer cells DNA from mending so they have 2 different tasks in the fight against recurrence. I know approval for both PARP and Avastin as maintenance has now been approved: therefore can you not have both? I am on Olaparib only, 2nd year of maintenance after frontline and doing well. BRCA 2 somatic only. If I could of had both (not approved at the time) I would of said yes. Can I ask, did you have Avastin alongside your chemo?

[Horsesrock in reply to RoseMS]

Thanks Rose .. combined approved for BRCA and HRD only which I am not unfortunately, v happy you are 2 years on!

[Jacky5]

I'm currently taking Olaparib parp maintenance after first line chemo and doing well after almost 2 years.I did start Avastin with the chemo but was found to be Brca2 positive so like RoseMS was switched to Olaparib.

I think Avastin is only offered with first-line treatment . If you wanted to go with that would you be offered Niraparib again later if you needed it giving you a shot at both drugs? Your Dr will be able to tell you.

Having said all that I think if it we're my choice and I could only pick one I would go for the parp.

Very best of luck to you.

Liz xx

[Horsesrock]

Thanks Liz - I think I’ll go for PARP. Atm avastin is available for reoccurrence in Scotland. And I think soon niraparib might not be available for reoccurrence in England … but no point thinking that far ahead.

[Jacky5 in reply to Horsesrock]

I think that's a wise choice.All the very best to you.

L x

[Iwillbeatit]

Hi I am same diagnosis as you after 8 chemos in 2018 then had 18 Avastin infusions then 6 months of no treatment as the Avastin had kept it all down. Boom it started advancing again Oct 2020 by Dec had 5 litres ascites drained off and more in January when I started a further 6 chemos immediately after which I was put on parb inhibitor Niraparib that was in July and still taking it with only slight side effects but getting stronger. I hope that this helps you. Good luck.

[Horsesrock]

Thanks v much… good to know you only have slight side effects .. hope I’m the same.