The antiemetic efficacy of oral ondansetron plus intravenous dexamethasone in patients with gynecologic malignancies receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to develop a cost-effective prophylactic antiemetic regimen for the prevention of carboplatin-induced emesis.


METHODS
Patients being treated in the Gynecologic Cancer Program of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center with a carboplatin-based chemotherapy regimen received a prophylactic antiemetic program consisting of a single dose of oral ondansetron (16 mg) plus intravenous dexamethasone (20 mg) approximately 30 min prior to chemotherapy. Evaluation of the effectiveness of this antiemetic regimen was performed during a single treatment course.


RESULTS
A total of 27 patients (median age, 62; range, 41-83) participated in this phase 2 trial. Three patients received single-agent carboplatin, and 24 were treated with either a carboplatin/paclitaxel or carboplatin/docetaxel regimen. The carboplatin AUC dosing level was 4, 5, or 6 in 6, 5, and 16 individuals, respectively. No patient developed vomiting; 2 (7%) individuals experienced nausea during the 24-h period following chemotherapy administration.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of a single dose of oral ondansetron (16 mg) plus intravenous dexamethasone (20 mg) is an effective prophylactic antiemetic regimen for patients receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy.
Markman
M
M
Gynecologic Cancer Program, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, OH 44195, USA. markmam@ccf.org
Kennedy
A
A
Webster
K
K
Peterson
G
G
Kulp
B
B
Belinson
J
J
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017294:Ondansetron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017294:Ondansetron; D003907:Dexamethasone; D016190:Carboplatin