By shutting down ovarian cancer cells' ability to repair their DNA, James researchers could help reduce recurrence in survivors. While ovarian cancer patients often respond well to chemotherapy, once in remission, many are at high risk for recurrence. To address the problem, OSUCCC – James researchers are studying a new class of drugs that can take as maintenance treatments aimed at preventing ovarian cancer from coming back. The therapy — known as PARP inhibitors — are taken orally and work by preventing cancer cells from repairing their DNA. “We've seen enormous improvements here, especially in patients with certain ovarian cancers. No cancer is routine, so there are changes in the tumors that can help us guide what kind of combination of drugs we can use,” Floor J. Backes, MD, says. “With these PARP inhibitors, we'll be able to see, hopefully, more cures in the future.”