Publication:

Palonosetron for the prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting: a comparative study in a tertiary care hospital from India

Background Despite advances in symptom management, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains one of the most dreadful consequences of cancer therapy.

Methods The study was carried out at Medical Oncology Department, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore. Hundred and forty-four cancer patients of either sex, aged 18-65 years with adequate blood counts requiring moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) as per Hesketh classification were included. The patients were prospectively divided into two groups before the initial cycle of chemotherapy. Patients in Group A (n=71) received ondansetron, and dexamethasone along with aprepitant capsules, Whereas, Group B (n=73) received palonosetron, and dexamethasone along with placebo capsules, 30 minutes before chemotherapy. Thereafter the patients were administered with the drugs and observed for nausea and vomiting. The efficiency of both regimens was assessed by adopting validated functional living index emesis (FLIE) questionnaire. Analysis of the data was done using the SPSS 21.0 software.

Results The mean age of the patients was 40.5 years and the male to female ratio was 1:2.4. In all the patients, no changes were detected in the ECG readings after MEC. The nausea and vomiting score were comparable in both groups. No significant difference (p>0.05) was noticed between group A and group B in both mm and in FLIE points. No serious adverse events were found relating to antiemetic treatment.

Conclusions Palonosetron in combination with corticosteroids was non inferior to ondansetron in combination with aprepitant and corticosteroids in controlling acute and delayed stages of CINV in patients requiring MEC. Thus, it can be recommended as first-line therapy for patients treated with MEC.