Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in the management of ovarian cancer

There is considerable interest and enthusiasm within the clinical gynecologic oncology community regarding the potential for poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors to play a critically relevant role in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer and particularly (although not exclusively) in the setting of known mutations in the BRCA gene. This review will briefly highlight the biological rational for the use of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in this malignancy, followed by summary of currently available clinical data supporting the delivery of agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for non-investigative use.