The influence of dexamethasone in the decrease of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of dexamethasone in the decrease of cisplatin and etoposide-induced nausea and vomiting inpatients treated for lung cancer during and after 2 chemotherapy cycles. Patients and methods: The analysis included 60 patients with histologically proven lung cancer, who were divided in two groups. Group A consisted of 30 patients who received cisplatin and etoposide with standard antiemetic drugs: ondansetron [serotonin receptor antagonist (5-HT3 antagonist)] and metoclopramide (dopamine receptor antagonist). Group B consisted of 30 patients who received the same chemotherapy regimen with the previous antiemetic therapy plus dexamethasone 8 mg intravenously (i.v.)per day during the 3 days of chemotherapy. During and after the 3-day therapy, patients filled in a questionnaire issuing adverse effects of chemotherapy concerning many symptoms including nausea and vomiting. The results were statistically processed. Results: There was a significant decrease in the frequency and toxicity of nausea, acute and delayed vomiting in the group of patients who received antiemetic treatment with ondansetron, metoclopramide plus dexamethasone. Conclusion: Dexamethasone administered with 5-HT3 antagonists and dopamine receptor antagonists significantly decreases the chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.