New drug useful against side effects of chemotherapy, finds study

Fosaprepitant is a new form of drug, which helps to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) among cancer patients. It has been found that patients either delay or opt out of chemotherapy fearing nausea, vomiting and other side effects.

The drug has been recommended by various institutions such as Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

However, the drug is not being administered along with other medications in India due to the lack of adequate data to support its effect on patients.

The study aimed to document and analyse the effectiveness of the drug in cancer patients in India. The researchers conducted the study involving more than 300 cancer patients of a tertiary care cancer centre in Chennai, who were prescribed Fosaprepitant between October 2016 and March 2017 to prevent chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. After following up with the participant patients for two months, it was found that none of the participants reported these side effects. 

The study revealed that a single dose of Fosaprepitant in combination with standard antiemetic drugs prescribed in international guidelines was well tolerated among the cancer patients in India, with none reporting any persistent, delayed or breakthrough nausea and vomiting. 

The lead researcher of the study, Dr Anita C Ramesh, medical oncologist and founder of Freedom from Cancer Relief and Research Foundation, said that since chemotherapy has the potential to induce nausea and vomiting, a majority of the patients either delay or opt out of chemotherapy and thus, denying themselves the cure.

“CINV is a big medical challenge, as it could lead to dehydration, impairment of normal activities, and electrolyte imbalance. If left untreated, it could result in more serious health issues, including organ damage, esophageal tearing, and pneumonia,” she added.

Fosaprepitant is administered in a single dose and is available in tablet forms. It is considered safe, as it does not interact with other drugs or food. “The side effects of the drug are minimal,” Anitha said.