Optimal selection of antiemetics in children receiving cancer chemotherapy

Abstract

 Only a few studies have been carried out specifically on the prevention of nausea and vomiting in children receiving chemotherapy. In these patients older antiemetic drugs such as metoclopramide and phenothiazines had moderate efficacy and induced significant side effects, especially marked sedation and extrapyramidal reactions.

In comparative trials the 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists have shown better efficacy and tolerability than chlorpromazine or metoclopramide combined with dexamethasone.

The combination of a 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist plus dexamethasone is superior to a 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist alone and should be the standard antiemetic prophylaxis in all paediatric patients receiving highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.

The optimal dose and scheduling of these antiemetic drugs need to be studied, as well as the antiemetic efficacy, in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced delayed and anticipatory emesis in children.