Rucaparib is a PARP inhibitor that is mainly used to treat cancer patients with specific gene mutations. This article will systematically sort out the key information of the drug from three aspects: side effects and precautions, indications and contraindications, so as to help patients and medical practitioners fully understand its clinical application and potential risks.

Rucaparib side effects and precautions

Rucaparib may cause a variety of adverse effects during treatment, and strict medication guidelines need to be followed to reduce the risk. Patients need to closely monitor their physical condition and communicate with their doctors in time to adjust their treatment plan.

Common adverse reactions

Common adverse reactions in ovarian cancer patients include nausea, fatigue, anemia, abnormal liver function and thrombocytopenia, which occur in more than 10%. Fatigue, rashes, decreased appetite, and digestive symptoms are more pronounced in patients with prostate cancer. Some patients may present with photosensitivity or hematologic toxicity, requiring regular blood tests and liver function assessment.

Special considerations

Rucaparib may increase the risk of myelodysplastic syndromes or acute myeloid leukaemia and require regular hemogram monitoring. Embryo-fetal toxicity is an important risk of the drug, and patients of childbearing age should use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for 3 months after discontinuation. Breastfeeding women should stop breastfeeding to avoid the drug affecting the baby through the milk.

Patients should take the medication strictly according to the recommended dosage, and do not need to make up if they vomit or miss a dose. In case of serious adverse reactions, the dose should be adjusted or treatment should be suspended under the guidance of a doctor. In terms of drug interactions, it is necessary to be vigilant about the combination of drugs with CYP enzyme substrates, which may enhance the toxicity of other drugs.

Indications for Rucaparib

The clinical application of Rucaparib is based on specific genetic mutations and tumor types, and its efficacy is closely related to the molecular characteristics of the patient.

BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer

The drug is suitable for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer with BRCA gene mutations and is a maintenance treatment. Clinical trials have shown that PARP inhibitors can selectively kill tumor cells and prolong progression-free survival by synthesizing lethal effects. Patients need genetic testing to confirm mutation status before initiating treatment.

Metastatic prostate cancer

For BRCA-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, Rucaparib can be treated in combination with GnRH analogues or surgical castration. Such patients have often been treated with traditional endocrine therapy, which enhances anti-tumor effects by inhibiting DNA repair mechanisms. Prostate-specific antigen levels and radiographic changes should be monitored continuously during treatment.

Genetic testing is a prerequisite for determining indications, and the precision medicine model can optimize the benefits of treatment. Patients should develop an individualized plan under the guidance of a professional oncologist to avoid blind medication.

Contraindications to Rucaparib

The use of Rucaparib in certain populations and pathological conditions may pose serious risks and should be strictly contraindicated.

Pregnancy and lactation are contraindicated

Animal studies have shown that the drug is embryotoxic, and its use by pregnant women may cause fetal malformations or death. Women of childbearing age should use double contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Breastfeeding should be suspended during lactation, and alternative feeding methods should be preferred in the absence of data on drug metabolism.

Special physiological state limitations

Safety data are lacking in patients with severe hepatic and renal insufficiency, and the risk of medication needs to be carefully assessed. Evidence of efficacy has not been established in the pediatric patient population, and it is not recommended for people under 18 years of age. Although dose adjustment is not required in older patients, comorbidities may increase the incidence of adverse effects and require intensive monitoring.

The drug should be stored in the dark and moisture, and the temperature should be controlled in the range of 15-30°C. Check the integrity of the package after opening to avoid mixing with other medications. Patients and their families should receive standardized medication education to clarify the safety of treatment.