Antiemetic use and CINV-related hospitalization costs after highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy
Future Oncology, our partner journal, has recently published a Research Article, which explores the effect of netupitant or fosnetupitant with palonosetron on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting-related hospitalization costs.
Abstract:
Background: Despite numerous available antiemetics, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains a concern, and CINV-related hospitalizations and costs often result.
Materials & Methods: PrecisionQ analyzed its database to evaluate CINV-related hospitalizations and costs following antiemetics use including netupitant/fosnetupitant with palonosetron (NEPA), aprepitant/fosaprepitant with ondansetron (APON), or aprepitant/fosaprepitant with palonosetron (APPA) in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC).
Results: Database analysis identified 15 583 patient records (807 NEPA, 2023 APON, 12753 APPA), and mean CINV-related hospitalization costs were lower across all patients receiving NEPA ($301) compared to patients receiving APON ($1006, P < .0001) or APPA ($321, P <.0001).
Conclusion: NEPA is associated with lower CINV-related hospitalization costs compared to APON and APPA among patients receiving HEC or MEC.
Lay Abstract:
Chemotherapy patients often experience nausea and vomiting that not only has a negative impact on the patient’s quality of life but can also result in unplanned hospitalizations with high associated costs. Numerous medications and specific guidelines are available to prevent nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer. Specifically, the combination of two classes of medications (serotonin inhibitors + neurokinin type 1 inhibitors) has been shown to provide the greatest benefit. However, hospitalizations due to nausea and vomiting still occurs, and providers require further information to determine the best options for their patients. In this study, the combination of netupitant/fosnetupitant with palonosetron resulted in lower hospitalization costs compared to aprepitant/fosaprepitant with ondansetron or aprepitant/fosaprepitant with palonosetron in chemotherapy patients.