Rucaparib is a type of medication known as a PARP inhibitor, which is used in the treatment of certain types of ovarian cancer. PARP inhibitors work by blocking an enzyme called poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), which helps repair damaged DNA in cancer cells. By inhibiting this enzyme, rucaparib can prevent cancer cells from repairing themselves, ultimately leading to cell death. Rucaparib has been approved by the FDA for use in patients with advanced ovarian cancer who have already received multiple lines of chemotherapy. It is also being studied in clinical trials for other types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Overall, rucaparib represents a promising new approach to treating cancer by targeting specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells and potentially improving outcomes for patients with certain types of cancer.