Evolution of Antiemetic Treatment in Hematologic Patients

Abstract

Prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy or radiotherapy in hematologic diseases is still a serious problem, because severe and prolonged emesis may affect the final result of the therapy. Many studies have now demonstrated the efficacy of metoclopramide, if administered at high-dose and in particular together with other agents, such as steroids and/or tranquilizers.

In the last few years, the recently synthesized serotonin antagonists have been tested and seem to be significantly useful in the control of these undesirable emetic side-effects.

The AA. present personal case reports, showing satisfying results with routine doses of ondansetron on a small, but selected group of patients submitted to highly emetogenic chemotherapy which achieved a very favourable response in 25 of 28 patients.

Key Words:

• chemotherapy
• nausea and vomiting
• antiemetic drugs
• 5-HT3 antagonists