title: Double-blind randomized trial of lorazepam versus placebo with methylprednisolone for control of emesis due to non-cisplatin containing chemotherapy.
abstract: Fifty-three breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy entered a double-blind randomized trial of lorazepam 2.5 mg orally prior to chemotherapy and repeated after 12 hours (Arm A) versus placebo (Arm B) with methylprednisolone (MPN) 375 mg in 3 equal doses: 125 mg i.v. prior to chemotherapy and repeated i.m. 6 and 12 hours later. Adjuvant therapy with 5-fluorouracil 600 mg/m2, 4'-epi-doxorubicin 60 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 (FEC) day 1 was alternated every 21 days with cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2, methotrexate 40 mg/m2, 5-fluorouracil 600 mg/m2 (CMF) day 1 for a total of 12 courses. The majority of patients experienced greater than or equal to 5 emetic episodes with FEC therapy (Arm A = 52%; Arm B = 55%). Mild and moderate nausea were reported by 60% and 68% of patients in Arms A and B, respectively. With CMF therapy complete control of emesis was observed in 33% (Arm A) and 35% (Arm B) of patients. The addition of lorazepam did not improve results either with FEC or CMF. Sedation was experienced by 86 to 92% of patients treated with lorazepam and amnesia was observed in 48-50% of cases. FEC therapy must be considered a highly emetic regimen and antiemetic therapy planned accordingly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Campora
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Baldini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rubagotti
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chiara
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bruzzi
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Sertoli
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rosso
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D015251:Epirubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D008140:Lorazepam; D005472:Fluorouracil; D008775:Methylprednisolone; D008727:Methotrexate