Effects of adding a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist to 5 mg olanzapine, a 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist, and dexamethasone for preventing carboplatin-induced nausea and vomiting: a propensity score-matched analysis

Background Olanzapine has been reported to be an effective antiemetic in patients receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy. However, the efficacy of a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist (NK 1 RA) added to olanzapine, a 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist (5-HT 3 RA), and dexamethasone (DEX) has not been proven. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of NK 1 RA, in combination with three-drug antiemetic regimens containing olanzapine, in preventing nausea and vomiting induced by carboplatin-based chemotherapy. Methods Data were pooled for 140 patients receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy from three multicenter, prospective, single-arm, open-label phase II studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of olanzapine for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The propensity score of the co-administration of NK 1 RA was estimated for each patient using a logistic regression model that included age, sex, and carboplatin dose. We analyzed a total of 62 patients, who were treated without NK 1 RA (non-NK 1 RA group: 31 patients) and with NK 1 RA (NK 1 RA group: 31 patients). The patients were selected using propensity score matching. Results The complete response rate (without emetic episodes or with no administration of rescue medication) in the overall period (0–120 h post carboplatin administration) was 93.5% in the non-NK 1 RA group and 96.8% in the NK 1 RA group, with a difference of -3.2% (95% confidence interval, -18.7% to 10.9%; P = 1.000). In terms of safety, there was no significant difference between the groups in daytime sleepiness and concentration impairment, which are the most worrisome adverse events induced by olanzapine. Conclusions The findings suggest that antiemetic regimens consisting of olanzapine, 5HT 3 RA, and DEX without NK 1 RA may be a treatment option for patients receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy.