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Published on: June 21, 2024

Tropisetron: optimal dosage for children in prevention of chemotherapy-induced vomiting

Carlo Cappelli1, Giuseppina Ragni, Maria Debora De Pasquale

  • 1Oncology Service, Pediatric Clinic, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy. ilmiofuturo@libero.it

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|March 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Tropisetron effectively prevents chemotherapy-induced vomiting in children with solid tumors. This selective 5-hydroxytriptamine receptor antagonist demonstrated high efficacy and no adverse effects in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Chemotherapy for solid tumors frequently causes acute vomiting in pediatric patients.
  • Managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is crucial for treatment adherence and quality of life.
  • Selective 5-hydroxytriptamine receptor antagonists are a key class of antiemetic drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the antiemetic efficacy and tolerability of Tropisetron in pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy.
  • To evaluate Tropisetron's effectiveness in preventing acute vomiting associated with solid tumor treatment.
  • To determine optimal dosing and response based on patient factors and chemotherapy emetogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 50 pediatric patients undergoing 189 courses of chemotherapy for solid tumors.
  • Tropisetron administered intravenously 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy.
  • Dosing adjusted by body weight (5 mg for <20 kg, 10 mg for >20 kg) and later evaluated as 8-12 mg/m(2) daily.
  • Emesis control defined as total absence (complete), 1-2 events (major), or >2 events (not controlled).

Main Results:

  • Tropisetron demonstrated high efficacy, completely controlling acute emesis in 92% of chemotherapy courses.
  • Effective in preventing vomiting during moderately and highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens.
  • No adverse effects were reported at the studied dosage (8-12 mg/m(2)), indicating good tolerability.
  • Response was analyzed considering Tropisetron dosage, patient pretreatment status, and chemotherapy emetogenicity.

Conclusions:

  • Tropisetron is a highly effective and well-tolerated antiemetic for pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy for solid tumors.
  • The drug provides significant control over acute chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
  • Tropisetron represents a valuable therapeutic option for managing CINV in children.

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