Every year, around 200,000 women worldwide are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The disease usually has no early signs or symptoms, and there is currently no effective screening method for early detection. Treatment often includes both surgery and chemotherapy. While many patients respond well at first, ovarian cancer, especially in advanced stages, can return and become resistant to treatment.

A newer option, called PARP inhibitor therapy, has helped extend the time before the cancer comes back and may improve survival. These medicines work best in patients with changes (mutations) in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which are linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Testing for these mutations is important for all patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer.