High efficacy of a single oral dose of ondansetron 8 mg versus a metoclopramide regimen in the prevention of acute emesis induced by fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (FAC) chemotherapy for breast cancer

The aim of our single-center, prospective, randomized, open study was to evaluate the antiemetic efficacy and tolerability of a regimen based on a single oral dose of ondansetron 8 mg in comparison with a metoclopramide-based regimen, for prevention of acute FAC (fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy-induced emesis. A total of 149 chemotherapy-naive, female outpatients, under 50 years of age and with no history of alcohol consumption, scheduled to receive their first cycle of FAC chemotherapy, were included. The patients received either oral ondansetron (8 mg) or metoclopramide (1.5 mg/kg, i.v.), both combined with dexamethasone (16 mg, i.v.) and alprazolam (0.5 mg t.i.d. orally). No antiemetic prophylaxis was given for delayed emesis. Complete control of acute vomiting was obtained in 69/74 (93%) of patients receiving ondansetron, and in 49/75 (65%) of those receiving metoclopramide (p=0.00003). Complete control of acute nausea was obtained in 58% of patients receiving ondansetron and in 36% of those receiving metoclopramide (p=0.007). Complete prevention of delayed vomiting/nausea was achieved in 73%/20% and 60%/16% of patients, respectively. Sedation was more frequent in the metoclopramide arm (p=0.04). As far as we know this is the first study that supports the efficacy of a regimen based on a single oral dose of ondansetron 8 mg in the prevention of acute FAC chemotherapy-induced emesis. The ondansetron regimen was highly effective in female patients and was superior to the metoclopramide based regimen.