Olaparib-Induced Cutaneous Vasculitis in a Patient with Ovarian Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review

• Published in: SN comprehensive clinical medicine 2025-01, Vol.7 (1), Article 10
• Main Authors: Cantor-Niño, Juliana, Duque-Clavijo, Nicolás, Bejarano-Ramirez, Andrés Felipe, Vargas, Henry, Segovia, Javier Mauricio, Pino, Luis Eduardo, Cantor, Erick
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Review; Topical Collection on Medicine
• ISSN: 2523-8973; 2523-8973
• DOI: 10.1007/s42399-024-01755-6

Olaparib, a poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, has shown significant efficacy in the maintenance therapy of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, particularly in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations. While studies have highlighted its success in improving progression-free survival, the occurrence of cutaneous adverse events remains limited in large-scale investigations. We present the case of a 41-year-old woman diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma who developed small and medium vessel vasculitis as a consequence of Olaparib maintenance therapy following a second-line chemotherapy regimen. The patient’s journey involved initial response to standard treatments, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery, followed by recurrence and subsequent Olaparib therapy. Unexpectedly, the patient developed cutaneous vasculitis, a rare adverse effect not extensively documented in the literature. Diagnostic challenges were overcome through a skin biopsy, confirming the vasculitic nature of the lesions. This case contributes to the scarce body of evidence associating Olaparib with vasculitis, comparing findings with two previously reported cases. Importantly, our patient successfully resumed Olaparib therapy at a reduced dosage post-vasculitis onset, highlighting the delicate balance between managing adverse events and preventing disease progression. The case underscores the necessity for early identification and management of cutaneous toxicities in Olaparib-treated patients, emphasizing the need for further research to explore dose-dependent relationships and personalized dosage strategies. As the use of targeted therapies like Olaparib expands, understanding and effectively addressing dermatological toxicities become paramount for optimizing treatment outcomes and patient well-being.