The cardiotoxic potential of the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist antiemetics: is there cause for concern?
OBJECTIVE
To review and evaluate the potential cardiac effects of 5-HT(3) antiemetic treatment in patients who may be predisposed to cardiac complications resulting from malignancy, cytotoxic oncologic regimens, or preexisting comorbid conditions.


METHODS
A literature review was conducted on the negative cardiovascular effects of chemotherapeutic agents, and, more specifically, on the cardiac interactions of the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists commonly used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.


RESULTS
Clinical studies in healthy subjects have reported electrocardiograph changes following administration of 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists. However, there are limited data on the use of 5-HT(3) antiemetics when administered with cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Nonetheless, the development of significant electrocardiograph changes with some agents may indicate a potential for significant cardiac effects in patients, particularly those who may be predisposed to cardiac complication.


CONCLUSIONS
As the predicted human life span increases, clinicians will be treating a larger, older oncology population. Because two of the most common major comorbidities are cardiovascular related, we need to be acutely aware of the toxic effects of chemotherapy, as well as the possible cardiac interaction of supportive agents, specifically the 5-HT(3) antiemetics. Until more data are made available, the best antiemetic option for patients receiving emetogenic and cardiotoxic chemotherapy may be the agent with the fewest apparent cardiac effects.
Keefe
Deborah L
DL
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA. dkclinpharm@aol.com
D000368:Aged; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects*; D017829:Granisetron / Q000009:adverse effects; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D017294:Ondansetron / Q000009:adverse effects; D011807:Quinolizines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy
D000932:Antiemetics; D017829:Granisetron; D007211:Indoles; D017294:Ondansetron; D011807:Quinolizines; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; C060344:dolasetron