A pilot exploration of the antiemetic activity of olanzapine for the relief of nausea in patients with advanced cancer and pain

This open-label pilot study explored the antiemetic activity of olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, in patients with, advanced cancer requiring, opioid Patients received 2 days of a washout and Placebo run-in followed by two day periods on each of three doses of olanzapine (2.5 mgs, 5 mg and 10 mg). Patients completed, a daily food journal as well (is the Mini Mental Stoic Exam, Simpson Angus Scale, Barnes Akathisia Scale, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General across four time periods, with special attention being placed, on the nausea item. Eleven women and 4 men with varied primary cancer site 5 participated. The average age of the sample was 58 Years (SD) = 16.8). All three dose levels were associated, with significant reductions in nausea compared to baseline. Diary entries recorded by the subjects suggested substantial benefits to overall well being and the 5 mg condition was associated with statistically significant improvement overall quality of life over baseline (F = 12.0, p < 0.005). No were noted and mental status exams were not changed over the course of the eight days. These results suggest an antiemetic effect for olanzapine and indicate the need for a controlled trial. (C) U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee, 2002.