Gender discrepancy observed between chemotherapy-induced emesis and hiccups

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CT) is associated with significant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and hiccups.
• Dexamethasone-containing anti-emetic regimens are commonly used to manage CT-induced side effects.
• Observed gender differences in patient responses to CT and anti-emetic therapy warrant further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate striking gender differences in emesis and hiccups among patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
• To compare the efficacy of two dexamethasone-containing anti-emetic regimens in managing chemotherapy-induced side effects, with a focus on gender-specific outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A crossover study involving 400 patients undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
• Two arms (A and B) evaluated different dosing intervals for ondansetron (8 mg IV) in combination with dexamethasone.
• Data on vomiting, nausea, and hiccups were collected and analyzed for gender-specific differences.

Main Results:

• Women experienced significantly lower rates of complete control for vomiting and nausea compared to men.
• Men exhibited a significantly higher incidence of hiccups compared to women.
• No significant associations were found between hiccups and age, cisplatin dose, tumor type, or concurrent vomiting/nausea.

Conclusions:

• Significant gender disparities exist in the occurrence of emesis and hiccups in patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
• Women are more susceptible to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, whereas men are more prone to hiccups.
• The underlying mechanisms for these gender-specific differences in side effect profiles remain unknown and require further research.