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Ondansetron for efficient emesis control during total body irradiation
N Schwella1, V König, R Schwerdtfeger
1Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Hämatologie/Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Rudolf Virchow, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Ondansetron effectively controlled nausea and vomiting in 88% of patients undergoing total body irradiation (TBI) before bone marrow transplantation. This 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist demonstrated significant antiemetic efficacy with minimal adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- Ondansetron, a 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist, is utilized for managing chemotherapy- and radiation-induced emesis.
- Total body irradiation (TBI) is a conditioning regimen for bone marrow transplantation, often associated with significant nausea and vomiting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron during fractionated TBI.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of ondansetron in patients undergoing TBI conditioning.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 25 patients receiving fractionated TBI (12 Gy/3 days) prior to bone marrow transplantation.
- Ondansetron was administered for antiemetic control during the 3-day TBI period.
- Emesis episodes were recorded, and adverse effects were monitored.
Main Results:
- 88% of patients (22/25) experienced sufficient emesis control (less than three emetic episodes).
- 44% of patients (11/25) achieved complete control with no vomiting.
- Headache was the most common adverse effect (16%), with no extrapyramidal reactions reported.
Conclusions:
- Ondansetron is highly effective in managing nausea and vomiting associated with TBI.
- The drug is well-tolerated, offering a significant benefit in patient care during bone marrow transplantation conditioning.