Palonosetron in the management of chemotherapy- induced nausea and vomiting in patients receiving multiple-day chemotherapy

Abstract

Mary Lou Affronti,1 Joseph Bubalo2 1Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 2Oregon Health and Science University Hospital and Clinics, Portland, OR, USA Abstract: Prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a key component of treatment for patients with cancer. Guidelines are available to assist prescribers in the management of CINV associated with single-day chemotherapy regimens. However, currently there are no clear guidelines for management of CINV in patients receiving multiple-day chemotherapy regimens. Serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonists are a mainstay in preventing CINV, and palonosetron, given its longer half-life and duration of action relative to other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, may be a useful option for managing CINV in multiple-day chemotherapy. Here we provide an overview of CINV and CINV treatment options, with a focus on palonosetron. We describe existing challenges in managing CINV, and discuss two patients receiving multiple-day chemotherapy, in whom CINV was managed successfully with palonosetron. Keywords: chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, palonosetron, multiple-day chemotherapy, 5-HT3 receptor antagonist