Prior authorizations for PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer.

5549 Background: PARP inhibitors improve survival in ovarian cancer, especially in patients with BRCA 1/2 mutations or homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). However, these FDA-approved drugs cost $100,000 annually on average, and concerns have been raised about insurance barriers like prior authorization to such medications. Our objective was to examine the prevalence of prior authorization for PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer overall, by frontline or recurrent maintenance, and by genetic status. Methods: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of ovarian cancer patients prescribed a PARP inhibitor within the University of Pennsylvania oncology practices from May 2020-2021. Using electronic medical records, we assessed the prevalence of prior authorization for PARP inhibitors overall, by frontline or recurrent maintenance, and by BRCA or HRD status. We then assessed the associated approval and appeal rates. Results: We identified 110 patients with ovarian cancer who were prescribed a PARP inhibitor. Of these, 67% (95%CI 57-75) experienced prior authorization for their PARP inhibitor. In contrast, 31 (95%CI 23-40) experienced prior authorization for other components of their gynecologic oncology care. Of patients in the frontline setting, 74 (95%CI 58-86) experienced prior authorization for FDA-approved PARP maintenance. Of patients prescribed PARP maintenance after recurrence, 58 (95%CI 45-71) experienced prior authorization. Of patients with germline BRCA, 70% (95%CI 47-85) experienced prior authorization for PARP inhibitors. Of patients with germline or somatic BRCA or HRD+, 76% (95%CI 61-87) experienced prior authorization. 95% (95%CI 86-94) of prior authorizations for PARP inhibitors were approved on their 1st appeal, and 99% (95%CI 95-100) were approved by the 2nd appeal. Conclusions: Two-thirds of patients of ovarian cancer patients who were prescribed PARP inhibitor experienced prior authorization, including equally high rates among women with germline or somatic BRCA mutations, as well as with HRD-deficient tumors. Given the nearly 100% approval after prior authorization, improvements in insurance processes are needed to streamline PARP inhibitor access in ovarian cancer.