Mesothelioma Blog

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting continue to be one of the most maligned side effects among chemotherapy patients. Now, a new combination of drugs shows promising results that can reduce or eliminate nausea side effects within the first week following a chemotherapy treatment.

In a study performed at the Juntendo University Hospital in Tokyo, researchers investigated the effectiveness of palonosetron, a 2nd-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, as a nausea treatment when used in conjunction with dexamethasone. The results, culled from more than 1,100 patients who underwent chemotherapy, indicate that the drug combination achieves a complete response (no vomiting and no use of rescue medication) in 76 percent of those in which it is administered. Furthermore, 74 percent of participants reported nothing more than mild nausea.

Both of these figures are an improvement over the current go-to medication for chemotherapy-induced nausea, granisetron.

Additionally, the new drug combination was found to positively affect appetite and caloric intake of chemotherapy patients. This is welcome news, as nausea and vomiting that result from chemotherapy can often lead to reduced eating habits and unhealthy weight loss.

Palonosetron is an FDA-approved drug developed by Helsinn Healthcare SA of Switzerland. In America, Aloxi® is the most-prescribed brand of the drug. Onicit® and Paloxi® are also marketed versions of the drug.

Resources:
http://sev.prnewswire.com/biotechnology/20090320/3859955en_iCrossing20032009-1.html
http://www.oncologynursingnews.com/New-Drug-Combination-Benefits-Postchemo-Lifestyle/article/128456/