Chan, Alexandre, Yap, Kevin Yi-Lwern, Tan, S. H. (Seow-Hwei) and Low, Xiu Hui (2011) A prospective cohort study to evaluate the efficacy of antiemetics in cancer patients receiving XELOX. In: Singapore General Hospital 19th Annual Scientific Meeting 2011, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Apr 8-9, 2011. Published in: Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare, Vol.20 (No.1 Suppl. 1). p. 45.

Abstract

Aims: XELOX (combination therapy of capecitabine and oxaliplatin) is gaining much popularity in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. This study is designed to elucidate the incidences of nausea and vomiting induced by XELOX, and the specific risk factors that may increase patients’ risks for nausea and vomiting. Methods: This was a single-centre, prospective, cohort study. Patients were recruited on the day of chemotherapy, and were followed up after 5 days to assess nausea, vomiting, and use of antiemetics. Patients were assessed for nausea and vomiting control, as well as complete response, complete protection, and complete control of antiemetics. Use of delayed and breakthrough antiemetics were assessed, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate risk factors that predisposed patients to nausea and vomiting despite use of antiemetics. Results: One hundred and fifty six patients were included in this analysis. The median age was 60 years (range: 55–65) with 88 (56.4%) men and 68 (43.6%) women. The proportion of patients achieving complete response, complete protection, and complete control within 24hrs after chemotherapy was 87.8%, 80.8%, and 62.8%, respectively. These proportions continued to decline throughout the follow-up period to 76.9%, 64.7%, and 48.7%, respectively, at the end of the 5 days. Patients who had <3 risk factors (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.13, p = 0.006), who received oxaliplatin <100mg/m2/d (AOR: 3.23, p = 0.009), and who received capecitabine <1,500mg/m2/d (OR: 5.00, p = 0.04) were more likely to achieve complete response to antiemetics. Conclusion: This study showed that an unacceptably high proportion of patients receiving XELOX were unable to attain adequate control of nausea, particularly among patients who were receiving capecitabine >1,500mg/m2 and oxaliplatin >100mg/m2.

Request changes to a record

Actions (login required)

View Item