Klin Onkol 1999; 12(1): 27-29.
Summary: Background:
Myeloablative high dose chemotherapy with a high emetogenic potential preceeds hone marrow transplantation. 5- HT3 receptor antagonists reduce emetogenity of high dose chemotherapy, blocking serotonin receptors in the upper part of the digestive tract, in the emetic centre, and in the trigger zone.
Design and Subjects:
In 1996-1997 we performed a prospective study using the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, tropisetron, which was administrated to the patients treated with highly emetogenic regimens. Patients obtained regimens with cisplatin, ifosfamide, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, busulphan, methotrexate, melphalan and carrnustine.
Methods and Results:
96 patients of average 43 years received intravenous 5mg/5ml tropisetron 15 - 30 minutes before starting chemotherapy. Sensitive patients had an antiemetic combination with dexamethasone and alprazolam. 83% patients had a complete response to tropisetron on the first day, 71 % patients one day after ending the study. 8% patients were bedridden due to nausea and vomiting. Patients had these adverse events: headache 2 patients, diarrhoea 1 patient, exanthema 1 patient.
Conclusion:
It is possible to use tropisetron during high dose emetogenic chemotherapy with a very good effect.
