Related Experiment Videos
Control of emesis by a low dose of ondansetron and dexamethasone
M Di Bartolomeo1, E Bajetta, L Biganzoli
1Division of Medical Oncology B, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
Aims And Background:
Ondansetron, a selective serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist, has been investigated at a wide range of doses. Recent studies have demonstrated that a single dose of this drug is active, either by intravenous bolus or continuous infusion. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a low dose of ondansetron in a simple and feasible schedule as follows: ondansetron 8 mg i.v. and dexamethasone 8 mg i.v. given before chemotherapy on day 1. Oral ondansetron 8 mg was subsequently given in the evening of day 1, and then even 12 hours on days 2, 3 and 4.
Methods:
Forty-chemotherapy-naive patients receiving cisplatin, dacarbazine or other emetogenic drugs were enrolled in the study. All courses of chemotherapy were given in an outpatient setting.
Results:
During the first cycle, complete control of acute emesis was achieved in 88% of cases, and no delayed emesis was recorded in 76%; acute and delayed nausea were absent in respectively 78% and 69% of cases. During the second, third and fourth cycles complete control of acute emesis was achieved in respectively 92%, 80% and 86% of cases, and no delayed emesis was recorded in 71%, 82% and 82%. No severe adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS; Our study shows that a single intravenous administration of low-dose ondansetron combined with intravenous dexamethasone and followed by oral ondansetron twice daily is effective in controlling emesis in patients receiving chemotherapy, and that it is feasible as an ambulatory regimen.
Insights
This study found that a low-dose ondansetron regimen, combined with dexamethasone, effectively controlled chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in outpatients. The treatment proved feasible for ambulatory care, demonstrating high efficacy across multiple cycles.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Ondansetron, a selective serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist, is used for chemotherapy-induced emesis.
- Previous research explored various ondansetron dosages and administration methods.
- A simple, feasible low-dose regimen requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a specific low-dose ondansetron regimen combined with dexamethasone for managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).
- To assess the feasibility of this regimen in an outpatient setting.
Main Methods:
- Forty chemotherapy-naive patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy were enrolled.
- The regimen involved intravenous ondansetron and dexamethasone on day 1, followed by oral ondansetron on days 1-4.
- Chemotherapy was administered in an outpatient setting.
Main Results:
- Complete control of acute emesis was achieved in 88% of patients during the first cycle, with sustained high efficacy in subsequent cycles (80-92%).
- No delayed emesis was recorded in 76% of patients during the first cycle, with rates of 71-82% in later cycles.
- High rates of absence for acute (78%) and delayed (69%) nausea were observed, with no severe adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- A low-dose ondansetron regimen, including intravenous and oral administration combined with dexamethasone, is effective for controlling CINV.
- This regimen is feasible and well-tolerated in an ambulatory care setting.
- The findings support the use of this simplified ondansetron schedule for outpatient antiemetic therapy.