A modified olanzapine-based anti-emetic regimen for the control of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving weekly cisplatin

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy - Background There is limited data on specific antiemetic protocols for control of chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting (CINV) caused by weekly cisplatin...     

Effectiveness of olanzapine in patients who fail therapy with aprepitant while receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy

Chemotherapy-induced nausea–vomiting (CINV) compromises the quality of life of patients with cancer. We present data on the effectiveness of olanzapine after failure of aprepitant in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). A single-center prospective study was conducted, where patients ≥ 18 years who failed aprepitant, palonosetron, dexamethasone (APD) received olanzapine, palonosetron and dexamethasone (OPD) in the subsequent cycle of HEC. Failure of APD was defined as occurrence of ≥ grade 2 acute and/or delayed nausea ± vomiting. Response rates were compared with what was achieved in their previous cycle with the use of APD in the acute (0–24 h), delayed (24–120 h) and overall (0–120 h) periods after the start of HEC. Impact on life was assessed using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI). Fifty-five patients failed APD and received OPD in the subsequent cycle; 54 were evaluable for response. Complete response rate for OPD versus APD is 80 versus 20% (acute period), 90 versus 18% (delayed period) and 74 versus 5% (overall period), and no nausea rate for OPD versus APD is 57 versus 13% (acute), 59 versus 15% (delayed) and 48 versus 0% (overall period), p < 0.001 for all comparisons. MDASI scores showed significant improvement after switching to OPD. A mild increase in drowsiness noted in patients receiving OPD did not affect daily life in most patients. In patients receiving HEC and failing CINV prophylaxis with APD, switching to OPD regimen in the subsequent cycle greatly improves control of vomiting, increases “no nausea” rates and significantly reduces symptom severity scores.     

Renal papillary necrosis: relapsing form associated with alcoholism

Described is a patient with recurrent renal papillary necrosis and chronic alcoholism as a possible precipitating factor. The case also demonstrates excellent recovery of renal function, despite considerable scarring of the parenchyma secondary to repeated episodes of sloughing of the papillae.     

Endometrial adenocarcinoma involving both horns of a bicornuate uterus

We report a rare case of endometrial adenocarcinoma involving both horns of a bicornuate uterus in a postmenopausal woman. Patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection following an initial positive diagnosis of well differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma on endometrial biopsy. Incidentally, the left ovary revealed a well differentiated sertoli leydig cell tumor. Endometrial carcinoma arising in malformed uterus is rare. Its simultaneous occurrence with an ovarian sertoli leydig cell tumor has not been reported in English literature so far. This case is reported for its rarity.