The use of ondansetron in patients receiving multiple-day cisplatin regimens.

The control of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving multiple-day cisplatin chemotherapy has remained difficult, even with the use of combination antiemetic regimens containing metoclopramide. Although these patients receive a lower daily dose of cisplatin, the emetogenic potential remains high. In addition, many of the patients receiving multiple-day cisplatin regimens are young (eg, testicular cancer patients) and, therefore, have particular problems with the extrapyramidal side effects associated with metoclopramide. Studies show that ondansetron, used as a single antiemetic agent, is effective, safe, and well tolerated in the control of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving multiple-day cisplatin regimens.