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PARP inhibitors are used in cancer treatment. PARP stands for poly (ADP ribose) polymerase. It's a protein that is part of the body's natural process to repair DNA in cells. So medicines that inhibit, or prevent, this protein from repairing DNA can help kill cancer cells.

When you get chemotherapy or radiation treatments, the goal is to destroy cancer cells. You might also get PARP inhibitors along with these treatments. They can stop PARP from repairing the DNA in the cells. This makes it more likely that the cancer cells will die.

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.