ORAL ONDANSETRON AND INTRAVENOUS DEXAMETHASONE IN THE PREVENTION OF CISPLATIN-INDUCED EMESIS

Fifty-eight previously untreated patients with gynecological cancer, a ssigned to cisplatin-based chemotherapy (40-80 mg/m(2)), received the following antiemetic treatment: day 0, oral ondansetron 8 mg 3 times/d ay + intravenous dexamethasone 16 mg; days 1-7, oral ondansetron 8 mg twice/day. In cycle 1 complete or major control (0-2 emetic episodes) was achieved in 94.6% of the patients in the acute phase (day 0) and i n 89.2% in the delayed phase (day 1-7). In the subgroup receiving cisp latin greater than or equal to 75 mg/m(2) the effect on acute and dela yed emesis decreased significantly with subsequent courses. Reversible side effects were observed in 8.9% of the cases. Oral ondansetron was efficacious, well tolerated and is worth testing further in randomize d trials with intravenous therapy.