Ovarian cancer drug Lynparza can help patients with advanced prostate cancer: study

Ovarian cancer drug Lynparza (olaparib) used to extend the survival rates of women with the severe form of the disease has been found to stop prostate cancer tumor growth.

The drug is described as a "milestone" in clinical trials by UK Scientists. According to BBC, the research took place at the Institute of Cancer Research in London where 49 men with terminal cancer were given the drug Lynparza (olaparib).

"This is the first drug that targets specific genetically defined populations and we are going to see more and more of these coming in the next few years," said Dr. Joaquin Mateo, chief researcher from the Institute Cancer Research in London who is the lead researcher.

He added that due to the nature of these drugs, money and time can be saved because it can be given only to those who will respond to it.

The scientists found the trial "exciting" when it showed that it froze the progress of tumor growth in 88 percent of patients with unique DNA mutations which were targeted by the drug. Additionally, the tumor cells in the blood decreased and overall improved the results that were seen in the CTI and MRI scans. The results of the study were detailed in the New England Journal of Medicine.

In 33 patients who responded to the drug, two were found unresponsive. However, Dr. Mateo believes that it afforded them a new way to determine which patient will find the drug therapy suitable, Health Day reports.

However, larger clinical trials are needed in order to show proof that olaparib can increase survival rate.

The effects of the cancer drug in the clinical trials were considered significant.

"Our trial marks a significant step forward in the treatment of prostate cancer, showing that olaparib is highly effective at treating men with DNA repair defects in their tumours," said Professor Johann de Bono of London's Institute Cancer of Research, via Independent. "It also proves the principle that we can detect prostate cancers with specific targetable mutations using genomic sequencing to deliver more precise cancer care by matching treatment to those men most likely to benefit.

"I hope it won't be long before we are using olaparib in the clinic to treat prostate cancer, or before genomic stratification of cancers becomes a standard in this and other cancers."

According to Daily Mail, the drug was created by British scientists and marketed by AstraZeneca and is available in the US, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and France except Britain where the NHS has not approved of it as it was too expensive at £3,950 per month.