NUPARP contains rucaparib, an oral anticancer medication used to treat certain types of ovarian and prostate cancers, particularly in patients with BRCA gene mutations. It belongs to a class of drugs known as PARP inhibitors. These medicines are designed to target the DNA repair process in cancer cells, making it harder for them to survive.

Rucaparib is typically prescribed when the cancer has come back or progressed after previous treatments, and especially in cancers with faulty DNA repair mechanisms.

Mechanism of Action

Rucaparib works by inhibiting an enzyme called PARP, which stands for poly ADP-ribose polymerase. PARP helps repair damaged DNA in cells. In healthy cells, this is a useful function. However, in cancer cells — especially those with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes — this pathway becomes a weakness.

When PARP is blocked by rucaparib, DNA damage in these already fragile cancer cells builds up and eventually leads to cell death. This is known as synthetic lethality, where two weaknesses in a cancer cell combine to kill it while sparing normal cells that still have functional BRCA genes.

Uses

NUPARP (rucaparib) is mainly used to treat:

• Ovarian cancer
  In patients with recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, especially those with BRCA mutations or who have responded well to platinum-based chemotherapy.

• Prostate cancer
  In patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have BRCA gene alterations and have previously been treated with hormonal therapies and chemotherapy.

  Adverse Effects

  Like all medications, rucaparib can cause side effects. Many are manageable, but some may require dose adjustments or stopping the medication temporarily.

  Common Side Effects

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Fatigue or weakness

  • Changes in appetite

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Taste changes

  • Increased liver enzymes in blood tests

  • Low red blood cell counts (anemia)