Takahashi, T., Kumanomidou, S., Takami, S., Okada, T., Adachi, K., Jo, Y., . . . Suzumiya, J. (2016). A retrospective study of R-CHOP/CHOP therapy-induced nausea and vomiting in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients: A comparison of intravenous and oral 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. International Journal of Hematology, 104, 378–383. 

To compare the effectiveness of oral versus IV 5-HT₃s for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) prophylaxis in patients receiving R-CHOP or CHOP chemotherapy

Data were obtained from medical records of patients who received CHOP or R-CHOP as initial chemotherapy from 2006–2012. Symptoms for five days from the start of treatment were investigated. Risk factors influencing CINV were also investigated. CINV prophylaxis was an 5-HT₃ alone.

• N = 72   
• MEAN AGE = 68 years (SD = 12.1)
• MALES: 45.33%, FEMALES: 44.66%
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

• SITE: Single site   
• SETTING TYPE: Inpatient    
• LOCATION: Japan

PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Retrospective cohort comparison

Complete response (CR) defined as no vomiting and no use of rescue medication.

CR was observed in 80.6% of patients. No significant differences were observed in the CR rate between those who were given oral or IV antiemetics. Female gender and an age younger than 70 years were independent predictors of CINV.

IV and oral 5-HT₃ had similar efficacy for CINV prevention; however, 5-HT₃ alone may not be sufficient for prophylaxis for individuals with greater risk.

• Small sample (< 100)
• Risk of bias (no control group)
• Risk of bias (no blinding)
• Risk of bias (no random assignment)

Oral and IV 5-HT₃ achieved similar results for CINV prophylaxis. Female gender and younger age were independent risk factors for CINV.