5HT3-receptor antagonists as antiemetics in cancer

doi:10.1136/dtb.2005.43857

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2005;43:57-62; doi:10.1136/dtb.2005.43857

5HT3-receptor antagonists as antiemetics in cancer

Relevant BNF sections: 4.6, 8.1

Effective antiemetic therapy is crucial for patients undergoingchemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer. Severe nausea and vomitingassociated with such cancer treatment can lead to anxiety, anorexia,dehydration, electrolyte disturbance and renal failure, andmay interrupt cancer therapy, demoralise patients or even causethem to abandon treatment.,² In 1992, we welcomed the introductionof ondansetron, the first selective serotonin type 3- (5HT₃-)receptor antagonist marketed in the UK, as an important advancein preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.³ Severalselective 5HT₃-receptor antagonists are now licensed. They arewidely prescribed to patients receiving cancer treatment, butnot always appropriately. Here we review their optimal use.