Wang, X., Wang, L., Wang, H., & Zhang, H. (2015). Effectiveness of olanzapine combined with ondansetron in prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting of non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, 72, 471–473. 

To compare the effects of ondansetron and olanzapine to ondansetron alone for management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

All patients received 8 mg IV ondansetron 30 minutes before chemotherapy. Patients in the experimental group also received 10 mg olanzapine for eight days. CINV was evaluated after one chemotherapy cycle.

• N = 84   
• MEDIAN AGE = 60 years
• AGE RANGE = 39–76 years
• MALES: 72.6%, FEMALES: 37.4%
• CURRENT TREATMENT: Chemotherapy
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: All had non-small cell lung cancer and were receiving a cisplatin-gemcitabine regimen.
• OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: All were chemotherapy-naive.

• SETTING TYPE: Outpatient    
• LOCATION: China

PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Randomized, two-group trial

World Health Organization toxicity grading criteria

The incidence of vomiting in the acute phase was 33.33% in the olanzapine group and 54.76% in the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of delayed CINV was 16.67% with olanzapine and 47.62% in the control group (p < 0.01).

The use of olanzapine as part of an antiemetic regimen was associated with a lower incidence of vomiting in the acute and delayed phases.

• Small sample (< 100)
• Risk of bias (no blinding)
• Measurement validity/reliability questionable
• Typical antiemetic regimens were not employed. CINV was measured only in terms of vomiting, rather than control of nausea as well.

This study adds to the body of evidence demonstrating the potential role of olanzapine for control of CINV. Olanzapine may have particular benefit for control in the delayed phase. Nurses need to evaluate the patterns of CINV in patients receiving chemotherapy and can identify patients who may benefit from the use of olanzapine along with other antiemetic agents.