Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
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This analysis was undertaken to review published reports of the comparative efficacy and safety of 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists in the prophylaxis of acute chemotherapy-induced emesis. ⋯ The 5-HT3 receptor antagonists compared are highly effective antiemetic agents that have now become the standard of care for preventing chemotherapy-induced emesis. Whether the described preclinical differences among these agents are also clinically significant remains to be seen. In the comparative trials analyzed, the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists demonstrated relatively equivalent clinical efficacy. Cost analysis may favor the use of one agent over another depending on the emetogenic challenge, dose of the 5-HT3 antagonists, and number of doses recommended. Patient preference may be an important factor to be considered in future antiemetic trials.
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To review the current clinical uses, ongoing investigations, and future applications of hematopoietic growth factors. Approved cytokines, as well as cytokines not yet released for general use, are included in this review. ⋯ Hematopoietic growth factors have made a significant impact on the prevention of infections associated with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, shortening of neutropenia following high-dose chemotherapy and progenitor-cell transplantation, and chemotherapy-associated anemia. Cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses in future phase III and pharmacologic studies will aid in the assessment of these agents.