[Randomized cross-over study on the effects of methylprednisolone, metoclopramide and droperidol on the control of nausea and vomiting associated with cis-platinum chemotherapy].
A randomized cross-over study on the effects of methylprednisolone (MP), metoclopramide (MT) and droperidol (DP) on the control of nausea and vomiting associated with cis-platinum chemotherapy was performed. Sixty-three patients were entered into the study; 60 patients (21 treated with MP, 18 with MT and 21 with DP) were eligible for evaluation of antiemetic efficacy, whereas the side effects of these drugs were evaluated in all of the 63 patients. Out of the above 60 patients, 36 were entered into the cross-over treatment. Antiemetic efficacy was evaluated in terms of duration of nausea, duration of vomiting, frequency of vomiting, duration of inability to take food and the amount of food first taken after cis-platinum treatment. Generally, the MP-treated group of patients showed favorable effects in these points, MP being especially more effective than other drugs with a statistically significant difference for the control of nausea and disturbed intake of food during the first 24 hours after the treatment with CDDP. Anticipatory nausea and vomiting were not observed in this study. Side-effects were minimal and all of the patients except one, who showed severe diarrhea following administration of MT and could not tolerate the treatment thereafter, were safely treated.