Keyhanian, S., Taziki, O., Saravi, M.M., & Fotokian, Z. (2009). A randomized comparison of granisetron plus dexamethasone with granisetron alone for the control of acute chemotherapy-induced emesis and nausea. International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research, 3, 27–30.
To compare granisetron plus dexamethasone to granisetron alone in the prevention of acute emesis
Patients were randomly assigned to receive either granisetron alone or in combination with dexamethasone. One group received a single IV dose of 3 mg granisetron and the other group received 3 mg IV granisetron and 8 mg IV dexamethasone 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated for 24 hours. Efficacy was determined according to a scale established by investigators.
The study was conducted at a single setting in Iran.
All patients were in active treatment.
This was a randomized, single-blind, prospective study.
The number of emetic episodes was recorded. Complete response was defined as no emetic episodes.
The investigators developed a scale to record efficacy of the intervention with \"moderately effective\" defined as \"did not interfere with daily life,\" \"slightly effective\" as \"interfered with normal daily life,\" and \"not effective\" as \"bedridden due to nausea.\"
A higher percentage of patients (66.7%) in the group receiving both granisetron and dexamethasone had 0 emesis episodes, compared to fewer than half (42.8%) of patients who received granisetron alone (p < 0.0001).
The combination of granisetron plus dexamethasone was superior to granisetron alone for prevention of acute emesis.
Findings indicate that dexamethasone should be included in antiemetic regimens, which is consistent with current care standards.