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30-05-2022 | Nausea | Original Article

Antiemetic prophylaxis for chemoradiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective phase II trial

Authors: Zekun Wang, Wenyang Liu, Jianghu Zhang, Xuesong Chen, Jingbo Wang, Kai Wang, Yuan Qu, Xiaodong Huang, Jingwei Luo, Jianping Xiao, Guozhen Xu, Li Gao, Prof. Junlin Yi, Prof. Ye Zhang

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 10/2022

Abstract

Background

There is sparse research reporting effective interventions for preventing nausea and emesis caused by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC).

Methods

Treatment-naïve LA-HNSCC patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy with concomitant cisplatin 100 mg/m² (33 mg/m²/days [d]1–3) every 3 weeks for two cycles. All patients were given oral aprepitant 125 mg once on d1, then 80 mg once on d2–5; ondansetron 8 mg once on d1; and dexamethasone 12 mg once on d1, then 8 mg on d2–5. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR). Pursuant to δ = 0.2 and α = 0.05, the expected CR rate was 80%.

Results

A total of 43 patients with LA-HNSCC were enrolled. The median age was 53 years, and 86.0% were male. All patients received radiotherapy and 86.0% of patients completed both cycles as planned. The overall CR rate was 86.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.1–94.7). The CR rates for cycles 1 and 2 were 88.4% (95% CI: 74.9–96.1) and 89.2% (95% CI: 74.6–97.0). The complete protection rate in the overall phase was 72.1% (95% CI: 56.3–84.7). The emesis-free and nausea-free responses in the overall phase were 88.4% (95% CI: 74.9–96.1) and 60.5% (95% CI: 44.4–75.0), respectively. The adverse events related to antiemetics were constipation (65.1%) and hiccups (16.3%), but both were grade 1–2. There was no grade 4 or 5 treatment-related toxicity with antiemetic usage.

Conclusion

The addition of aprepitant into ondansetron and dexamethasone provided effective protection from nausea and emesis in patients with LA-HNSCC receiving radiotherapy and concomitant high-dose cisplatin chemotherapy.

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Title: Antiemetic prophylaxis for chemoradiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective phase II trial
Authors: Zekun Wang
Wenyang Liu
Jianghu Zhang
Xuesong Chen
Jingbo Wang
Kai Wang
Yuan Qu
Xiaodong Huang
Jingwei Luo
Jianping Xiao
Guozhen Xu
Li Gao
Prof. Junlin Yi
Prof. Ye Zhang
Publication date: 30-05-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Nausea
Vomiting
Radiotherapy
Cytostatic Therapy
Dexamethasone
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 10/2022
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-022-01958-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Antiemetic prophylaxis for chemoradiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective phase II trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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