A Prospective Comparative Study Of Efficacy of Olanzapine and Aprepitant in Prevention of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting in GMC, Jammu

Abstract

Introduction:Breast cancer ranks first among all cancers in women globally as well as in India, with an incidence rate of 25.8 per 100,000.The combination of anthracyclines with cyclophosphamide forms the basis of many breast cancer treatment protocols. This combination is known to have a high potential for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).Materials and Methods:A comparative study conducted in all the patients attending outpatient and inpatient department for chemotherapy at Department of Radiotherapy, Govt Medical College, Jammu in 60 patients for a period of 12 months. All the patients, satisfying the inclusion criteria were enrolled into the study. The patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria for Department of Radiotherapy, Govt Medical College, Jammu were enrolled after written informed consent. A detailed medical history, general physical examination was done and findings were recorded at the time of screening. Results:Among Olanzapine group majority (25%) of the patients belonged to the age group of 41-45 years and 51-55 years each, followed by 46-50 years and 56-60 years each (16.66%). 8.33% belonged to the age group of <40 years and >60 years each. The mean age was 51.43±7.52 years.AmongAprepitant group majority (22.22%) of the patients belonged to the age group of 41-45 years and 51-55 years each, followed by 46-50 years and 56-60 years each (16.66%). 11.11% belonged to the age group of <40 years and >60 years each. The mean age was 53.47±8.33 years.Among Olanzapine group, 58.33% were females, 41.66% were males. Among Aprepitant group, 72.22% were females and 27.77% were males. Among Olanzapine group, 41.66% had co-morbidities. Among Aprepitant group, 33.33% had co-morbidities. Among Olanzapine group, 41.66% had co-morbidities, out of which 8.33% contributed to only diabetes and only hypertension. 25% had both. Among Aprepitant group, 33.33% had co-morbidities, out of which 11.11% contributed to only diabetes, only hypertension and both.Conclusion:The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of Olanzapine and Aprepitant in prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting.Though there was no statistically significant association was derived between the drugs regarding superior efficacy, Aprepitant appears to be better than Olanzepine. However, keeping in view the cost of the drug, Olanzepine can be considered in Low and Middle Income settings. Olanzepine is the better, safe, cost effective alternative than Aprepitant.