Comparative Efficacy of Novel Versus Traditional Antiemetic Agents in Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting With Moderate or Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review

Cureus. 2024 Oct 31;16(10):e72774. doi: 10.7759/cureus.72774. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Abstract

This systematic review critically evaluates the comparative efficacy of novel and traditional antiemetic agents in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving moderate or highly emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC/HEC). The findings suggest that novel agents, such as netupitant/palonosetron (NEPA), olanzapine, and transdermal granisetron (GTDS), offer comparable or superior efficacy to traditional antiemetic regimens, including standard options like aprepitant combined with 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists and corticosteroids. These novel agents demonstrate strong effectiveness in controlling both acute and delayed CINV and offer practical advantages, such as simplified dosing regimens and improved patient adherence, particularly in resource-limited settings. Additionally, traditional regimens incorporating aprepitant remain effective in preventing CINV. However, the review highlights the need for more direct comparisons between novel and traditional agents, as well as further studies evaluating novel therapies in real-world clinical settings. Future research should focus on larger, long-term trials to better establish the role of novel antiemetic agents and optimize CINV management strategies.

Keywords: antiemetic agents; chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (cinv); comparative efficacy; highly emetogenic chemotherapy (hec); moderate emetogenic chemotherapy (mec).

Publication types

  • Review