Delayed emesis in chemotherapy

Q: Out of the following, which chemotherapy agent is more prone to cause delayed emesis?

A) cisplatin 
B) cyclophosphamide 
C) doxorubicin 
D) fluorouracil 
E) leucovorin


Answer: A

Delayed emesis can fool physicians who are not experienced in dealing with chemotherapy on a regular basis. It is defined as emesis which occurs more than 24 hours after chemotherapy. It can occur with any chemotherapeutic agent but high-dose cisplatin is more prone to cause it. High vigilance and following the appropriate drug regimen to prevent such episodes can be very helpful.


#oncology
#pharmacology
#gastroenterology



References:

1. Olver I, Paska W, Depierre A, et al. A multicentre, double-blind study comparing placebo, ondansetron and ondansetron plus dexamethasone for the control of cisplatin-induced delayed emesis. Ondansetron Delayed Emesis Study Group. Ann Oncol 1996; 7:945.

2. Kris MG, Gralla RJ, Tyson LB, et al. Controlling delayed vomiting: double-blind, randomized trial comparing placebo, dexamethasone alone, and metoclopramide plus dexamethasone in patients receiving cisplatin. J Clin Oncol 1989; 7:108.