[Efficacy of granisetron for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia treated with a combination of anthracycline and cytarabine].

OBJECTIVE

In Japan, the combination of anthracycline and cytarabine(Ara-C)is a standard therapy for acute myelogenous leukemia(AML). Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting(CINV)are frequently reported as side effects related to the administration of these regimens. In our hospital, patients received prophylactic granisetron at a dose of 3 mg daily during chemotherapy. However, granisetron is known to induce constipation as a side effect. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a single dose of granisetron administered throughout the entire period of chemotherapy in AML patients receiving anthracycline and Ara-C combination therapy, and also examined the incidence of constipation during chemotherapy.

METHODS

From July 2008 to December 2010, all patients with AML treated using anthracycline and Ara-C combination therapy were registered in the study. This retrospective study investigated the patients' background and the incidence of CINV and constipation from the patients' records. The efficacy of granisetron was measured on each day using the complete regression(no vomiting and no rescue medication; CR)rate.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients were included in the study(27 male; 18 female), and received a total 68 courses(56 of induction therapy; 12 of consolidation therapy)of the regimens. The CR rate and the incidence of constipation on the final day of chemotherapy were 61. 8% and 63. 2%, respectively. As the duration of chemotherapy increased, the CR rate tended to decrease, whereas the incidence of constipation tended to increase.

CONCLUSIONS

The CR rate in this study was 61. 8%, thus indicating that there is still room for improvement. The combination of dexamethasone and a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, or the changeover from granisetron to palonosetron could therefore increase the CR rate.