The efficacy of granisetron for cancer patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy: comparison of 1 miligram versus 3 miligram doses in preventing nausea and vomiting.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of anti-emetic and prophylactic effects of 1 milligram (mg) versus 3 mg granisetron in cancer patients.


METHODS
In this double blind, randomized, parallel study, 2-dose regimens of intra venous (IV) granisetron were evaluated in 39 cancer patients who were treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to receive granisetron 1 mg IV plus dexamethasone 20 mg (group A) or granisetron 3 mg iv plus dexamethasone 20 mg (group B). A questionnaire was used to evaluate the anti-emetic effects of granisetron.


RESULTS
Subjects consisted of 31 men and 8 women. In group A (19 patients) 57.9% showed complete response from vomiting, 10.5% of major response, and 31.6% of failure to anti-emetic therapy. There were 47.4% of patients free from nausea and 52.6% complained of nausea (mild, moderate, and severe nausea). Among group B (20 patients), 90% showed complete response from vomiting, 5% of major response, and 5% of failure to anti-emetic therapy. Eighty percent of patients were free from nausea, while 15% complained of mild nausea and 5% of moderate nausea. The differences were statistically significant for vomiting (p = 0.02) as well as for nausea (p = 0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous granisetron 3 mg has better efficacy than granisetron 1 mg in preventing cisplatin- induced acute emesis.
Kurnianda
Johan
J
Department of Internal Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta.
Hisyam
Barmawi
B
Wahyuningsih
Endang
E
Hutajulu
Susanna H
SH
D000328:Adult; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D017829:Granisetron / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011292:Premedication; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002945:Cisplatin; D003907:Dexamethasone; D017829:Granisetron