Objective: To review the currently available literature on the efficacy of the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists in the prevention of late acute-onset chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (12-24 h after cytotoxic treatment).
Data sources: Primary articles were identified by PubMed search (performed in March 2004) and through secondary sources. Search terms included granisetron, ondansetron, tropisetron, dolasetron, acute, chemotherapy, nausea, and vomiting (a further search was performed for palonosetron in March 2004).
Study selection and data extraction: All studies that performed regular assessments (every 2-6 h) of antiemetic control over the first 24 hours with 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists were evaluated.
Data synthesis: Current guidelines recommend the use of 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists for the control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting but do not differentiate between the available agents. However, there is variability in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of these agents, and this has implications for dosing regimen, safety, efficacy, and potential drug-drug interactions. Cytotoxic agents vary in the time profile of their emetic effect; this must be considered when choosing an appropriate 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist. The optimal agent should be simple to administer and provide safe and effective antiemetic protection over the whole 24-hour period.
Conclusions: The differences between the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists have important consequences for their dosing and efficacy in the control of late acute-onset chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.