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[Olanzapine use in cancer patients for refractory vomiting]

Takuya Shinjo1, Masakuni Okada

  • 1Shakaihoken Kobe Central Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer & Chemotherapy
|March 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Olanzapine effectively managed intractable vomiting and anorexia in cancer patients unresponsive to standard treatments. This study indicates olanzapine is a promising option for symptom control in oncology care.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Olanzapine, approved for schizophrenia, exhibits broad neurotransmitter receptor affinity.
  • This broad affinity suggests potential therapeutic roles beyond psychiatric indications.
  • Cancer patients often experience refractory nausea and vomiting, impacting quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of olanzapine in managing intractable vomiting in cancer patients.
  • To assess olanzapine's impact on anorexia associated with refractory vomiting.
  • To determine the safety profile of olanzapine in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A case series involving five cancer patients with refractory vomiting.
  • Olanzapine was administered to patients unresponsive to standard antiemetic therapies.
  • Outcomes including vomiting control, anorexia improvement, and adverse events were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Complete resolution of vomiting occurred in 3 out of 5 patients.
  • Anorexia symptoms were improved in conjunction with vomiting control.
  • Vomiting was temporarily controlled in the remaining 2 patients.
  • No adverse effects were reported during the study period.

Conclusions:

  • Olanzapine demonstrates significant potential as an effective agent for managing refractory vomiting in cancer patients.
  • The drug also showed promise in improving anorexia, a common symptom in this cohort.
  • Olanzapine appears to be a safe and viable option for supportive care in advanced cancer.

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