PARP Inhibition: Genomics-Informed Care for Patients With Malignancies Driven by BRCA1/BRCA2 Pathogenic Variants

Background: Germline and somatic biomarker testing for BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants can provide important susceptibility, prognostic, and predictive information, guiding recommendations for care.

Objectives: This article reviews BRCA1/2, DNA damage and repair mechanisms, prevention and screening guidelines for patients with germline pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants, indications for poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor therapy, associated side effects, tumor resistance, and implications for nurses.

Methods: A comprehensive review of the CINAHL^®, MEDLINE^®, and PubMed^® databases was performed using the following search terms: BRCA1/2, PARP inhibitors, and genomic testing.

Findings: PARP inhibitors are indicated for select patients with malignancies associated with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants. Awareness of PARP inhibitors, their mechanism of action, indications for use, and associated side effects helps oncology nurses guide patients and families in care recommendations, provide detailed patient education, effectively monitor for side effects, and promote adherence to therapy.