First-Line PARP Inhibitors—Emerging Side Effects Require Caution: A Case of PARPi-Induced Pneumonitis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Niraparib, an inhibitor of poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) 1 and 2, has been shown to improve progression free survival in patients when used as maintenance treatment after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced stage (III to IV) high-grade ovarian cancer, and after platinum-based chemotherapy for relapsed disease. For grades greater than III, commonly reported side effects include bone marrow suppression (thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anemia) and hypertension. However, grade ≥ III pneumonitis was not reported in phase III trials (PRIMA or NOVA). We present a case of life-threatening niraparib-induced pneumonitis. With recent approval for use of first-line maintenance niraparib in the United States and Europe, knowledge of the side effects and how to manage them is vital.