Tropisetron, a new 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, in the prevention of radiation-induced emesis.

Abstract

Tropisetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, was evaluated as antiemetic prophylaxis during postoperative abdominal irradiation of ovarian carcinoma patients. Twenty consecutive women with stages I-III (FIGO) epithelial ovarian carcinomas were included. Nausea, generally mild and of short duration, increased from start (30%) to end of radiotherapy (54%). Episodes of vomiting were few in number and occurred in less than 10% of the cases. Diarrhea was common toward the end of the radiotherapy courses. The overall ratings for quality of life were excellent or good in 75-85% of the cases. Tropisetron seems to be a promising and well-tolerated drug in conjunction with extended radiotherapy.