Ondansetron--a new safe and effective antiemetic in patients receiving high-dose melphalan.

A total of 33 patients with myeloma receiving treatment with high-dose melphalan (140-200 mg/m2 i.v.) were given the 5HT3 antagonist Ondansetron (Glaxo) as an antiemetic. In 42% of patients, emetic episodes were either abolished (15%) or reduced to two or less (27%). Efficacy was not related to scheduling (two regimens) or total dose. No sedative or other significant side effects were seen. Ondansetron is a highly effective non-sedative antiemetic that justifies further assessment in combination with other antiemetics in patients receiving cytotoxic drugs associated with the production of severe nausea and vomiting.