Ondansetron (GR38032F) plus dexamethasone: effective anti-emetic prophylaxis for patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy
1990

Ondansetron and Dexamethasone for Chemotherapy Nausea

Sample size: 14 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): D.B. Smith, E.S. Newlands, O.W. Spruyt, R.H.J. Begent, G.J.S. Rustin, B. Mellor, K.D. Bagshawe

Primary Institution: Cancer Research Campaign Laboratories, Department of Medical Oncology, Charing Cross Hospital

Hypothesis

Does the combination of Ondansetron and dexamethasone provide better anti-emetic control for patients receiving chemotherapy than either drug alone?

Conclusion

The combination of Ondansetron and dexamethasone is effective in controlling nausea and vomiting in patients who did not respond to previous treatments.

Supporting Evidence

  • 90% of patients who failed previous treatments responded to the combination therapy.
  • 9 out of 14 patients had a complete response with no nausea or vomiting.
  • The only side effect noted was mild headache in two patients.

Takeaway

This study found that giving two medicines together helped most patients feel better and not throw up during their cancer treatment.

Methodology

Patients received Ondansetron and dexamethasone for 5 days and their nausea and vomiting were recorded.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and was not randomized.

Participant Demographics

Median age of participants was 28 years, with a range of 18-41 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Statistical Significance

p=0.001

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication