Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes as PARP inhibitor sensitisers

Ovarian cancer has relatively poor prognosis and remains a significant public health challenge in the UK. Based on genetic profiling, certain ovarian cancer patients who harbour deficiencies in the BRCA gene can benefit from targeted medicines, called PARP inhibitors. However, these medicines do not work effectively for patients with a normal BRCA gene.

The aim of this project is to develop a “PARP inhibitor sensitiser” drug, that will allow PARP inhibitors to work in aggressive ovarian cancers with normal a BRCA gene, as well as those with BRCA deficiencies. 

This will involve the chemical design of potential candidate drugs, a detailed biological analysis of the drugs to assess their synergy with PARP inhibitors, and the assessment of the safety profile of the candidate drugs.

The development of a safe PARP inhibitor sensitiser offers the potential to expand the range of cancers for which PARP inhibitors are a suitable treatment. It may also help to combat drug resistance, a common issue for patients treated with PARP inhibitors, including in aggressive ovarian cancers.