PARP inhibitors
Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) identified the BRCA2 inherited genetic mutation in the 1990s. Men with this mutation have a higher risk of prostate cancer and women have a very high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. This was the second such BRCA genetic mutation identified.
Researchers at the ICR’s Breakthrough Breast Cancer Centre discovered that a new class of drugs called PARP inhibitors attacks breast, ovarian and prostate cancer tumours carrying BRCA1 and 2 genetic mutations.
Dr Johann de Bono and his team at the ICR’s Everyman Centre are now leading research trials testing the drug in prostate, breast and ovarian cancer patients. The drugs have shown promising results in Phase I trials.
Read more about Dr Johann de Bono's work at the Insitute of Cancer Research website
