Prevention and management of PARP inhibitor-related haematological toxicities in prostate cancer: French expert opinion using the Delphi method.

BACKGROUND

Haematological toxicities (anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia), a known class effect of poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) may limit exposure to PARPi and therefore impact efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide practical and detailed recommendations for the prevention and management of these toxicities in metastatic prostate cancer in the real world.

DESIGN

A national consensus study was performed using a modified Delphi methodology.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary steering committee of 9 French experts formulated and submitted 38 statements to the vote of 33 French healthcare professionals experienced in oncology and PARPi in prostate and/or breast/ovarian cancers.

RESULTS

All recommendations achieved a consensus. Before initiating PARPi, haematological disorders should be investigated and appropriate corrective measures implemented. The haemoglobin level should ideally be ⩾10 g/dl and a minimum delay of 4 weeks should be respected after chemotherapy. Monitoring should be frequent for the first 3 months of treatment, at least every 15 days, and even more frequent in patients at high-risk of toxicity. In the event of symptomatic grade 2 or 3 anaemia, grade 2 or 3 thrombocytopenia and grade 3 neutropenia, PARPi treatment should be discontinued until return to grade 1. Transfusion may be considered in symptomatic grade 2 or 3 anaemia. Myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia should be suspected in cases of cytopenia persisting beyond 4 weeks or changes in the blood count after maintenance of an optimal therapeutic dose over the long term.

CONCLUSION

These proposals complement existing recommendations to guide healthcare professionals in real-world practice, and so optimise metastatic prostate cancer patient's ability to maximally benefit from PARPi.