Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 1st – 31st March 2021. Cancer charity, GO Girls, are raising awareness of newer treatments for women with ovarian cancer as part of this year’s ovarian cancer awareness month.
Treatments for ovarian cancer have for many years remained static. However, a new range of drugs, known as PARP inhibitors, are bringing hope to women who are diagnosed with this devastating cancer.
“We’ve been waiting a long time for newer treatments: this is the first sign of hope women with ovarian cancer have been waiting for and research has shown positive results for many women” said Hilary Maxwell, CEO and Chair of GO Girls.
So, what are PARP inhibitors and how do they work? PARP inhibitors are a type of targeted cancer drug. As a cancer treatment, PARP inhibitors stop the PARP from doing its repair work in cancer cells and the cell dies.
NICE, The National Institute of Clinical Evidence, published new guidance on 17th February. They recommended that Niraparib is recommended for use as an option for maintenance treatment for FIGO stages 3 and 4 high-grade epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer after response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in adults.
“This will be exciting news for women. To have the possibility of this new innovative treatment will bring much renewed hope to ovarian cancer patients after many dark years”, added Hilary. “We routinely consent patients for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations; these genes play a part in cell repair.”
Niraparib is just one of a family of PARP inhibitors available to patients following discussion with their oncologists.
“Throughout this month, we will be educating women about PARP inhibitors: access to good quality information is vital to inform them in discussions with their clinicians”, said Sharon McCartney, Trustee at GO Girls.
“What a year to see hope”, added Hilary. “We are looking for women who have had Niraparib as a first line treatment to get in contact with us to help support an educational film. Women will no longer be silent on ovarian cancer: it’s time for change: are you in?”
To follow the GO Girls campaign, follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use the hashtags – #ovariancancer #parp #OCAM21 #niraparib #olaparib #rucaparib
To contact them GO Girls visit: www.gogirlssupport.org
