Decades after cisplatin's approval, platinum-based chemotherapy continues to anchor treatment regimens across tumor types, new research finds.
|Articles|August 10, 2016
Antipsychotic Drug May Reduce Chemotherapy Side Effects
Author(s)Lauren Santye, Assistant Editor
Olanzapine found to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients.
Advertisement
An FDA approved antipsychotic agent was found to significantly reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients.
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers discovered that the drug olanzapine was able to block neurotransmitters involved in nausea and vomiting. Patients were randomized to receive chemotherapy plus olanzapine, or chemotherapy and a placebo.
The results of the study showed that 74% of patients who received olanzapine plus chemotherapy did not experience nausea or vomiting after the first day of treatment. In the placebo group, the number dropped to 45%.
Many of the participants who benefited from the treatment continued to be free of
“We’ve long known that nausea and vomiting that come along with chemotherapy are a major problem and affect the quality of life of our patients,” said researcher Steven Powell, MD. “The findings of this study, fortunately, provide physicians with a tool to better address the needs of those they are treating for cancer.”
Advertisement
Related to this article
Tor Härnqvist, MD, discusses immune testing after invasive pneumococcal disease, serotype-informed vaccine selection, and pharmacists' role in supporting patients on immunoglobulin therapy.
In an interview with Pharmacy Times, LINKER-SMM1 study investigator Paula Rodríguez-Otero, MD, PhD, a hematologist at Clínica Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, explains how researchers selected high-risk patients and how she weighs infections against the potential to prevent progression to active disease.
BRUIN CLL-313 showed significantly longer progression-free survival vs bendamustine plus rituximab, bringing a noncovalent BTK inhibitor to first-line care.
Invasive pneumococcal disease may be the first sign of undiagnosed blood cancers and antibody deficiencies in adults, a new study finds.
A retrospective study from Japan found that oncology pharmacist assessment before medical examination was associated with higher rates of complete adverse event resolution in outpatient chemotherapy.
September’s hematology coverage examined a new definition of myeloma cure, patient preferences for treatment delivery, and emerging strategies for deepening responses.
September oncology coverage highlighted new breast and kidney cancer combinations, updated lung cancer labeling, and emerging evidence connecting antibiotic exposure with CAR T-cell outcomes.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Trending on Pharmacy Times
1
Butter, Beef Tallow, and LDL: Where Dietary Guidelines Diverge
2
Why Patients Fear Statins Will Affect Their Memory
3
Orforglipron Shows CV Safety vs Insulin Glargine in ACHIEVE-4
4
Suzetrigine After Knee Replacement: Are Fewer Opioid Prescriptions Enough?
5