Poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase 1: a therapeutic hope in gynecologic cancers.

The Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) is a multifunctional nuclear protein involved in a variety of cellular functions. Recently, its role in the onset, progression and therapy resistance of cancers in general and reproductive cancers in particular has been recognised. The PARP associated signaling is perceived to play a key role in the development, sustenance and relapse of reproductive cancers. This has led to the preclinical and clinical assessment of PARP inhibitors as targeted therapeutic agents in reproductive cancers. In the first part of this review, we have summarized the current status of PARP in the onset, progression and therapy resistance of reproductive cancers. In the second part of the review, we have discussed the translational applications of PARP inhibitors, underscoring the perceived therapeutic opportunities, bottlenecks and the utility of the ongoing clinical trials.