DNA-damage repair (DDR) pathway mutations can sensitize cancer cells to a class of cancer therapeutics known as PARP inhibitors. Given that DDR alterations can be found in up to one-third of advanced prostate cancers, PARP inhibitors have recently been established in treatment-refractory settings. We provide an updated review of the clinical data supporting the 4 PARP inhibitors that have undergone the most investigation thus far in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Two of these agents are currently approved for the treatment of DDR-altered mCRPC. We end with a discussion on integration of approved PARP inhibitors into advanced prostate cancer clinical practice.
Keywords: BRCA; DNA damage repair; PARP inhibitors; androgen inhibition; homologous recombination; poly(ADP) ribose polymerase; prostate cancer.