Applications of Olaparib and Durvalumab Combination Therapy for a Founder BRCA1 Mutation in the Chinese Han Population: A Literature Review

Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, two genes that encode proteins vital to DNA repair processes, are associated with many cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer, as well as homologous recombination deficiency. BRCA mutations are linked with earlier diagnoses and can heavily influence prognosis, with mortality risks rising alongside age. Recently, in the Chinese Han population, a prevalent founder mutation, BRCA1:c.5470_5477del, was discovered in ovarian and breast cancer patients. For BRCA-mutated (BRCAm) ovarian and breast cancer cases, current therapies like chemotherapy and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, or PARP, inhibitors exhibit benefits, with olaparib monotherapy being particularly notable. However, olaparib and durvalumab have shown superior results compared to olaparib alone in multiple trials, establishing the combination therapy as a promising alternative that promotes an immune response. Meanwhile, other emerging combination regimens have also shown favorable outcomes. This paper highlights a potential alternative to olaparib monotherapy for the treatment of founder mutation BRCA1:c.5470_5477del, and reviews current progress and prospective approaches for BRCAm ovarian and breast cancer.