Niraparib is a medicine used to treat cancer, specifically ovarian cancer and some types of advanced breast cancer. It works by stopping cancer cells from repairing themselves, which can help slow down or stop the growth of tumors.
Let's break down how niraparib works. When cells in our body divide, they make copies of themselves. Sometimes, mistakes happen during this process, leading to damaged DNA (the genetic material that carries instructions for cell growth and function). Normally, our cells have repair mechanisms to fix these mistakes. But cancer cells can be sneaky – they often have faulty repair systems, allowing them to keep growing uncontrollably.
This is where niraparib comes in. It belongs to a group of medicines called PARP inhibitors. PARP is a protein that helps repair damaged DNA in cells. When you take niraparib, it blocks the PARP protein, preventing cancer cells from fixing their damaged DNA. As a result, the cancer cells become unable to grow and multiply as quickly, which can help slow down the progression of the disease.
Niraparib is usually taken orally, which means you swallow it in the form of a pill. Our doctor will determine the right dosage for you based on factors like your weight, overall health, and the type and stage of cancer you have. It's important to take niraparib exactly as prescribed and to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Like all medicines, niraparib can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Some people may also experience low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, which can lead to anemia, increased risk of infection, or easy bruising or bleeding. Your doctor will monitor you closely for any side effects and may adjust your dosage or provide supportive care to help manage them.
It's also worth noting that niraparib can affect your fertility, so it's important to discuss family planning with your doctor before starting treatment if you're of childbearing age and wish to have children in the future.
In clinical trials, niraparib has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of cancer, particularly ovarian cancer. It's often used as a maintenance treatment, meaning it's given after initial treatment (like surgery or chemotherapy) to help keep the cancer from coming back or spreading further.
It's important to remember that niraparib is just one part of your cancer treatment plan. Your doctor may recommend other treatments in addition to niraparib, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on your individual situation.
Overall, niraparib is a promising medicine for the treatment of certain types of cancer. It works by targeting cancer cells' ability to repair themselves, slowing down their growth and helping to keep the disease under control. If you have any questions or concerns about niraparib or your cancer treatment plan, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. They're there to help guide you through your treatment journey and provide support every step of the way.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist
Niraparib
Imagine your body is like a big city, and inside this city are lots of buildings called cells. These cells are like the workers in the city – they do all sorts of jobs to keep things running smoothly.
Now, just like how buildings sometimes get damaged and need fixing, cells can also get damaged. But cells are smart – they have repair crews that fix these damages, just like construction workers fixing a broken window.
But sometimes, there's a sneaky type of troublemaker called cancer cells. These troublemakers can grow and spread really fast because they have a trick up their sleeve – they don't fix their damages properly. They kind of ignore the repairs and keep growing out of control.
Here's where Niraparib steps in. It's like a superhero that stops these troublemaker cells in their tracks. You see, there's a tiny machine inside cells called PARP. Think of PARP as the foreman of the repair crew. Its job is to make sure all the damages are fixed properly.
When you take Niraparib, it's like sending a message to PARP saying, "Hey, take a break, we got this." So, PARP stops working, and without PARP, the repair crew can't fix the damages in the troublemaker cancer cells.
With no repairs happening, these cancer cells can't keep growing like they used to. They get stuck, slow down, and sometimes even shrink away. And that's how Niraparib helps fight cancer – by stopping the troublemakers from growing and spreading.
Of course, like all superheroes, Niraparib has some sidekicks – side effects. These are things like feeling tired, getting sick to your stomach, or your blood not being as strong as it should be. But don't worry, your doctor can help you deal with these sidekicks.
So, in simple terms, Niraparib is like a superhero medicine that stops cancer cells from growing too fast by putting a wrench in their repair works. And with the right support from your doctor, it can help you fight cancer and keep your body's city running smoothly.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist