[Risk Factors associated with post-chemotherapy vomiting in patients with breast cancer (II): analysis of the duration of emesis]

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors associated with the duration of emesis after high-dose chemotherapy in high risk breast cancer patients and to assess the predictive performance of a mathematical model. METHODS: Cox regression model was developed to predict the duration of emesis, and different prognostic factors were evaluated: anthropometric characteristics, cyclophosphamide and carboplatin clearance, administration of ondansetron or tropisetron, and emesis intensity classified as a function of emetic protection degree. RESULTS: The emetic episodes started and finished, 3 and 8 days, from the beginning of chemotherapy, respectively. The probability of finishing the emesis episodes is 2 times higher in patients receiving ondansetron treatment with than in those receiving tropisetron and, 8 times higher in patient with major or complete emetic protection than in those with minor emetic protection or treatment failure. CONCLUSION: The antiemetic protection with ondansetron after high dose of chemotherapy in high risk breast cancer patients is more effective option than tropisetron because the duration of emesis is lower.