Update and new trends in antiemetic therapy and supportive care

OLANZAPINE AS AN ANTIEMETIC

- Background and Overview -

• Olanzapine is an antipsychotic agent available orally

• Phase II and phase III trials have indicated antiemetic activity

– Methodologic issues have troubled most trials

• Side effects include sedation at a higher level than with other agents

• Affects a variety of neurotransmitter receptors

– Different than most modern antiemetics

– Implications: possible benefit with broader spectrum…but potential of more side-effects

• Olanzapine presents a new dilemma:

– For the first time in 3 decades, we need to choose between antiemetic efficacy and side effects