NYMC Faculty Publications
The Influence of Brain Metastases on the Central Nervous System Effects of Methylnaltrexone: a Post Hoc Analysis of 3 Randomized, Double-Blind Studies
Author Type(s)
Faculty
Journal Title
Supportive Care in Cancer
First Page
5209
Last Page
5218
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2021
Department
Biostatistics
Abstract
PURPOSE: Peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists such as methylnaltrexone (MNTX, Relistor
METHODS: This post hoc analysis of pooled data from 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trials included cancer patients with OIC who received MNTX or placebo. Endpoints included changes from baseline in pain scores, rescue-free laxation (RFL) within 4 or 24 h of the first dose, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), including those potentially related to opioid withdrawal symptoms.
RESULTS: Among 356 cancer patients in the pooled population, 47 (MNTX n = 27; placebo n = 20) had brain metastases and 309 (MNTX n = 172; placebo n = 137) did not have brain metastases. No significant differences in current pain, worst pain, or change in pain scores from baseline were observed between patients treated with MNTX or placebo. Among patients with brain metastases, a significantly greater proportion of patients who received MNTX versus placebo achieved an RFL within 4 h after the first dose (70.4% vs 15.0%, respectively, p = 0.0002). TEAEs were similar between treatment groups and were generally gastrointestinal in nature and not related to opioid withdrawal.
CONCLUSION: Focal disruptions of the BBB caused by brain metastases did not appear to alter central nervous system penetrance of MNTX.
Recommended Citation
Brenner, D. M., Slatkin, N. E., Stambler, N., Israel, R. J., & Coluzzi, P. H. (2021). The Influence of Brain Metastases on the Central Nervous System Effects of Methylnaltrexone: a Post Hoc Analysis of 3 Randomized, Double-Blind Studies. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29 (9), 5209-5218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06070-7
