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Published on: February 20, 2018
Recent Advances in Antiemetics: New Formulations of 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists in Adults
Carrie Smith1, Michele Smith, Regina Cunningham
1Author Affiliations: Gabrail Cancer Center (Ms C. Smith), Canton, Ohio; Cancer Center of Kansas (Mss M. Smith and Davis), Wichita; and Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Dr Cunningham), Philadelphia.
Background:
Despite the availability of effective antiemetic regimens, patients still experience chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). 5-Hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists (RAs) are the mainstay of CINV prevention, and updated antiemetic guidelines include new options.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to highlight advances in CINV management, focusing on new 5-HT3 RA formulations in adults, updated antiemetic guidelines, and the role of nurses.
Methods:
MEDLINE searches were conducted for English-language publications for the past 15 years using relevant search terms ("serotonin receptor antagonist," "5-HT3 receptor antagonist," "antiemetic," "chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting") in the abstract or title. Abstracts at relevant major congresses for the past 3 years and additional pivotal publications were included. The most informative, relevant, and current publications were included.
Results:
5-Hydroxytryptamine 3 RAs are effective in preventing acute (0-24 hours) CINV but less effective in the delayed phase (24-120 hours) given their short half-lives. Updated antiemetic guidelines include fixed-dose intravenous fosnetupitant and palonosetron (IV NEPA) and granisetron extended-release subcutaneous injection, a recently approved 5-HT3 RA formulation providing slow, controlled release of therapeutic granisetron concentrations for 5 days or longer. Nurses play a pivotal role in implementing updated guideline-recommended antiemetic regimens for highly and some moderately emetogenic chemotherapy regimens, comprising a 4- or 3-drug regimen of 5-HT3 RA, neurokinin-1 RA, and dexamethasone, with/without olanzapine.
Conclusion:
Newer antiemetic combinations and formulations provide flexibility for CINV prevention. Granisetron extended-release subcutaneous injection is a convenient subcutaneous granisetron option.
Implications For Practice:
Nurses play a critical role in understanding and using new antiemetic formulations and updated antiemetic guidelines in their practices.
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