Use of granisetron, an antiemetic drug with no cardiovascular restrictions and low potential for drug interactions is an appropriate choice for elderly cancer patients because granisetron is unlikely to create additional complications.
Antiemetics are used to treat chemotherapy and radiation therapy induced nausea and vomiting. Of the antiemetics, the 5HT3 receptor antagonists, like granisetron, are considered the gold standard in treatment and have a good tolerability and safety profile, particularly when compared to the other older antiemetics.
Differences, however, have been noted within the 5HT3 class in relation to the potential for cardiovascular toxicity and potential for adverse drug interactions.
Commenting on the cardiovascular risks from antiemetic therapy, Dr. Matti Aapro (Clinique de Genolier, Genolier, Switzerland) said, "The increased incidence of cardiovascular disease seen with increasing age necessitates careful consideration of the potential cardiotoxic properties of treatments."
"The increased risk from repeat cardiovascular insult in elderly patients with cardiovascular impairment is unknown, but the risk likely exists," said Dr. Aapro regarding clinical implications. "The cardiovascular side effect profile of antiemetics should be a key consideration in the elderly population and clinicians should be selecting the antiemetic with the lowest risk potential," he added.
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Contact: Whitney Hartmann
whitney.hartmann@shirehealthnewyork.com
212-725-7522
Shire Health New York
30-Sep-2002