Palonosetron on Days 1 and 5 Versus Granisetron Daily (Days 1-5) in Germ Cell Tumour Therapy

Abstract

Background/aim: The control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting during bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) treatment is important for maintaining treatment intensity. The effects of palonosetron and granisetron were compared in BEP chemotherapy.

Patients and methods: The administration of palonosetron on days 1 and 5 (Pal method) and granisetron daily (days 1-5, Gra method) were compared in terms of their efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Results: Additional rescue antiemetic agents were used in 15 of 32 and 30 of 30 cycles in the Pal and Gra method groups, respectively (p<0.05). The complete response rate, defined as no vomiting and no rescue agent usage, in each cycle, was 50% and 0% in the Pal and Gra method groups, respectively (p<0.05). The average cost of antiemetic agents in a cycle was 50,759 and 54,555 yen in the Pal and Gra method groups, respectively (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The Pal method may be the standard method in BEP.

Keywords: Germ cell tumour; chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting; granisetron; palonosetron.