Study: Drug Slows Ovarian Cancer Growth

An experimental drug shows promise at slowing the growth of ovarian cancer, a study says. The drug is called olaparib. It blocks a natural enzyme known as PARP (Poly ADP ribose polymerase), making chemotherapy more effective. The drug was tested in a study of 65 women with ovarian cancer. The women received olaparib twice a day for 4 weeks. They were also divided into 2 groups: those who carry a gene mutation known as BRCA 1 or BRCA 2, and those who do not. The treatment was most effective in those with the gene mutation. Tumors shrank for 41% of them. It was also helpful for 24% of those without the mutation. The study appears in The Lancet. HealthDay News reported on it Aug. 21.