Abstract

Cisplatin is an highly effective agent against a variety of cancers but produces the most severe nausea and vomiting compared with other chemotherapeutic agents. Recently the role of 5-HT,(serotonin) in cisplatin induced nausea and vomiting was introduced and serotonin receptor antagonists seem to be as effective as corticosteroids in preventing cisplatin-induced emesis. From October 1994 to August 1995, we evaluate antiemetic effect of granisetron, a selective 5-HT, receptor antagonist, in 20 patients (M:F=11:9) who receiving their first course of combination chemotherapy containing high dose cisplatin(100 mg/§³). Granisetron 3 mg was given intravenous infusion before 100 mg/§³ of cisplatin infusion. In first 24 hours after chemotherapy, complete response achieved in 18 of 20 patients(90%). First episode of vomiting developed at 31.5¡¾20.3 hours after cisplatin infusion. For delayed emesis, on second day, complete response achieved in ll of 18 patients (61%), major response in 4 of 18 patients (22%), minor response in 3 patients (17%) and from third to seventh day, complete response achieved in 8 of 18 patients (44%), major response in 7 of 18 patients (39%), minor response in 3 patients (17%). Most commonly reported adverse effect of granisetron was headache. In conclusion, granisetron was an effective antiemetic agent in preventing cisplatin induced acute emesis but not so effective in delayed emesis. For better control of delayed emesis, new combination antiemetic therapy should be investigated.

• Keywords: Granisetron, Cisplatin, Antiemetic