[The clinical effect of Tropisetron in the prevention of nausea and vomiting induced by anti-cancer drugs].

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of Tropisetron with Kytril in the prevention of nausea and vomiting induced by anti-cancer drugs.

METHODS

In a clinical randomized controlled cross-over trial, 34 patients (19 among them treated with regimens containing cisplatin) were randomized into A and B group. In group A, Tropisetron was given in the first cycle and Kytril in the second cycle, while in group B Kytril was given in the first and Tropisetron in the second cycle of the same chemotherapy.

RESULTS

In the Tropisetron treated group, the response rate was 97.1% with 4.5 episodes of vomiting on the first day of chemotherapy, while that in the Kytril treated patients was 94.1% with 3 episodes of vomiting. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups. Control of delayed emesis and other adverse reactions were comparable in both arms and there was no notable difference between Tropisetron and Kytril.

CONCLUSIONS

Tropisetron is an effective anti-emetic drug to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by anti-tumor agents, and its adverse reactions are mild.