CONTROL OF CARBOPLATIN-INDUCED EMESIS WITH A FIXED LOW-DOSE OF GRANISETRON (0.5 MG) PLUS DEXAMETHASONE

In an effort to develop a cost-effective antiemetic regimen for carbop latin-based chemotherapy, we examined a fixed (0.5 mg) low dose of gra nisetron (a new 5-HT3 (serotonin) antagonist) plus dexamethasone (20 m g) in 23 patients with gynecologic malignancies receiving this antineo plastic drug. Nineteen (83%) patients experienced complete control of acute emesis (nausea and vomiting) while 22 (96%) individuals demonstr ated complete or major control (less than or equal to 2 episodes of vo miting, less than or equal to 5 episodes of retching, minimal interfer ence with eating) of emetic events. We conclude that this fixed low-do se granisetron plus dexamethasone regimen is a safe, convenient, and c ost-effective antiemetic program for individuals receiving carboplatin -based chemotherapy. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.