Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Ondansetron versus granisetron, both combined with dexamethasone, in the prevention of cisplatin-induced emesis. Italian Group of Antiemetic Research.
Differences in pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics among serotonin-receptor antagonists have been reported in preclinical studies. This prompted us to carry out a study to determine whether such differences are important in terms of clinical efficacy or tolerability. ⋯ Ondansetron 8mg and granisetron 3 mg, both combined with dexamethasone, showed similar efficacy and tolerability in the prevention of cisplatin-induced emesis. The choice between the two regimens can be dictated by their respective purchase prices.
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Cancer pain can be treated in most cases with oral analgesics. However, during their clinical history, 53% to 70% of patients will need alternative routes of opioid administration. The rectal administration of opioids is a simple alternative route for many patients. There are no data in the literature regarding the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of rectal methadone. ⋯ Rectal methadone can be considered an effective analgesic therapy for patients with cancer pain for whom oral and/or parenteral opioids are not indicated or available.