Hydration Requirements in Patients Receiving Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy

Abstract

Research Article Erickson, Nebughr, Mosier & Nibley medications, and needs for hydration with an iv. saline solution. Although guidelines from several organizations recommend combinations of drugs, known as antiemetics, to prevent CINV, there is still a need to improve CINV control. This study evaluated the need for hydration in patients with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy and an antiemetic drug combination including either palonosetron or granisetron extended-release subcutaneous (GERSC). Over half of patients who received palonosetron needed unscheduled hydration, compared with about a third of patients who received GERSC. Also, during each of the four cycles of chemotherapy given, the percentage of patients who needed hydration was higher with palonosetron than with GERSC. These results suggest that GERSC may be preferred over palonosetron in a three-drug antiemetic combination, by reducing the need for unscheduled hydration. This could reduce healthcare costs and improve patients' quality of life.