The influence of dexamethasone in the decrease of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of dexamethasone in the decrease of cisplatin and etoposide-induced nausea and vomiting in patients treated for lung cancer during and after 2 chemotherapy cycles.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The analysis included 60 patients with histologically proven lung cancer, who were divided in two groups. Group A consisted of 30 patients who received cisplatin and etoposide with standard antiemetic drugs: ondansetron [serotonin receptor antagonist (5-HT(3) antagonist)] and metoclopramide (dopamine receptor antagonist). Group B consisted of 30 patients who received the same chemotherapy regimen with the previous antiemetic therapy plus dexamethasone 8 mg intravenously (i.v.) per day during the 3 days of chemotherapy. During and after the 3-day therapy, patients filled in a questionnaire issuing adverse effects of chemotherapy concerning many symptoms including nausea and vomiting. The results were statistically processed.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in the frequency and toxicity of nausea, acute and delayed vomiting in the group of patients who received antiemetic treatment with ondansetron, metoclopramide plus dexamethasone.

CONCLUSION

Dexamethasone administered with 5-HT(3) antagonists and dopamine receptor antagonists significantly decreases the chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.