The efficacy of
Granisetron, a new and selective 5HT3-receptor-antagonist in the treatment of
cytostatic induced
emesis, was tested in the department of gynaecology and obstetrics of the University of Essen on 77 patients. The patients received
cytostatic drugs with a high emetogenic potency (for example
cisplatin) or with a moderately high emetogenic potency (for example
cyclophosphamide). We were able to demonstrate the high
antiemetic efficacy of
Granisetron. We had in 63% of the cases a "complete response" during the first 24 h after the
chemotherapy and a "complete response" of 60% for the "delayed
emesis". The observed adverse reactions such as
constipation and
headache were easily solved with standard laxatives or standard
analgesics. Because of the high efficacy of
Granisetron, which was combined with a low rate of side effects, it was possible to give to all the 77 patients the complete and necessary
chemotherapy, so that no patient refused to receive the
chemotherapy just because of
nausea or
emesis. The use of
Granisetron is therefore a major step forward in the care of patients receiving
chemotherapy because
nausea and
emesis can be treated effectively.