PARP inhibitors are a class of drugs that target poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), which is an enzyme involved in repairing damaged DNA. By inhibiting PARP, these drugs prevent cancer cells from repairing their DNA, causing them to die. PARP inhibitors are primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, such as ovarian and breast cancer, that have defects in their DNA repair mechanisms. Research in this area also explores the potential use of PARP inhibitors in combination with other cancer treatments to enhance their efficacy.