PARP Inhibitor Trial

Hi Cdaniel, 

I had stage 2a triple negative breast cancer and recently discovered that I have a BRCA1 mutation. I finished chemo/radio in March 2022, and upon the discovery of my brca1 mutation, my oncologist prescribed me Olaparib/Lynparza (which is a PARP inhibitor) for one year to help to protect me against recurrence and new cancers. I live in France and it has recently been authorised for use as a preventative treatment here for brca 1 & 2 mutation carriers who have had treatment. My oncologist was very enthusiastic about the drug and keen to get me started as it has had such good results.

I felt a bit ropey for a few days when I started the medication (like I had flu), but it quickly got better and now, I don't notice any effects (I've been taking it a bit over 1 month so far). I have to do blood tests every 2 weeks for the first two months to check that my levels remain ok, but so far so good. It gives me comfort to take the medication and to think I have some armour in my line of defence besides positive thoughts and hope!

It's good news that they have removed the cancer and your margins are clear. With it being a recurrence, will you have to have more chemotherapy? 

Let me know if I can help in any way and wishing you the best of luck x

Hi Rose,

Thanks so much for this info. It's made me feel so much better. So I was first diagnosed in 2016 BC ER+ & PR+. Also the dreaded BRCA2 gene. I had my Chemo first for 6 months and then I had a bilateral mastectomy with diep flap. When my results came back they were that good I was told I didn't need Radiation. 8 months after that I had preventative surgery and had my Ovaries and Tubes removed and then told to take Anastazole. All was going well, just 2 months off 5 year remission and then I found out about my recurrence in April. The plan was surgery which I have now had, removed the lump and then waiting for my appt for Radiation and then Oncology appt this month to discuss the trial. So thank you once again for your feedback it has really helped. Good Luck your treatment long continues. Xx

Wow, I'm sorry to hear your recurrence happened so close to your 5 year milestone after already going through so much. This disease is so horribly unpredictable and cruel! The trial data that was used for the approval of Olaparib/Lynparza in France was called OlympiA in case you want to look that up. 

Happy I could help, and I hope all goes well with the trial x