Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Rapid In Situ Hybridization using Oligonucleotide Probes on Paraformaldehyde-prefixed Brain of Rats with Serotonin Syndrome
Published on: September 23, 2015
Is there a pharmacological basis for differences in 5-HT3-receptor antagonist efficacy in refractory patients?
Ronald de Wit1, Matti Aapro, Peter R Blower
1Rotterdam Cancer Institute, Groene Hilledijk 301, 3075, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. r.dewit@erasmusmc.nl
Abstract:
5-HT3-receptor antagonists are the current antiemetic 'gold standard' for chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Interestingly, studies have shown that patients experiencing poor control of acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting with one antiemetic therapy may respond well to another agent, including a drug of the same class. This review examines pharmacological differences between the 5-HT3-receptor antagonists in order to determine potential reasons for their differing efficacy, particularly in relation to refractory emesis. Differences in drug metabolism by the cytochrome P450 system, inadequate dosing of the respective agents, differences in onset and duration of action, and effects on serotonin release and reuptake are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
