The efficacy and safety of GR38032F in the prophylaxis of ifosfamide-induced nausea and vomiting

The novel 5HT3 receptor antagonist GR38032F was evaluated in the control of emesis induced by the cyclophosphamide analogue ifosfamide. At a dose of 4 mg q 6 h, GR38032F was given to six patients receiving their first dose of ifosfamide infusion (4-6 g/m2 over 24 h); over the 42-h study period, major control of retching and vomiting was achieved in five patients. In the second phase of the study six further patients, in whom high-dose metoclopramide had failed to control emesis, were given 8 mg GR38032F q 6 h; major control of emesis was again observed in five patients. Toxicity attributed to GR38032F was minimal. This selective 5HT3 antagonist is effective and safe in the control of ifosfamide-induced emesis, even in patients resistant to high-dose metoclopramide.