Objectives This study determined the knowledge of clinicians on the evidence for, and application of, PARP inhibitors (PARPi) in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer.

Methods A 27-question, online, continuing medical education (CME) self-assessment was developed that included demographic, knowledge, confidence and practice-based multiple-choice questions. Activity was launched for clinicians practising outside of the USA in July 2020 and data collected to October 2020.

Results 104 oncologists, 46 obstetricians/gynaecologists (obs/gyn) and 21 other physicians completed the assessment. Participants were divided evenly between academic and community practice, but only 20% specialized in ovarian cancer. Only 33% were moderately/very confident (across a 5-point Likert scale) in their ability to select an appropriate PARPi maintenance regimen. Knowledge of key trials was low. 56% identified the population of the SOLO 1 trial, 37% patient characteristics, 29% correct PFS outcome and 43% most common AEs. 56% identified the outcome of the PRIMA trial, 33% patient characteristics, 28% efficacy in key subpopulations, and 43% most common G3/4 AEs. 49% identified the outcome of the PAOLA-1 trial, 44% efficacy in key subpopulations, and 44% the AE profile. Only 32% identified the appropriate PARPi maintenance regimen for a patient with HRD-ve/BRCA-ve disease following carboplatin/paclitaxel, whilst 77% identified the appropriate PARPi maintenance strategy following chemotherapy + bevacizumab for BRCA+ve disease. Obs/gyns and other physicians generally performed worse than oncologists in terms of knowledge and confidence.

Conclusions The knowledge and confidence gaps revealed indicate there is a significant need for education to facilitate optimal application of PARPi maintenance strategies in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer.