ASSESSING THE BENEFITS OF ANTIEMETIC INNOVATION

This paper reviews recent anti-emetic developments, with particular re ference to the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. These drugs are at least as effective as conventional regimens for controlling acute nausea and v omiting in patients receiving highly or moderately emetogenic chemothe rapy and abdominal radiotherapy. They have less side effects than do a lternative drugs. Improved control of acute nausea and vomiting by 5-H T3 receptor antagonists seems to reduce anticipatory symptoms in subse quent cycles. Dexamethasone enhances activity of 5-HT3 receptor antago nists in highly emetogenic chemotherapy. improved control of acute nau sea and vomiting by 5-HT3 receptor antagonists may remove one obstacle to offering palliative chemotherapy.