BACKGROUND

High dose methotrexate (HD-MTX), used in the treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), is moderately emetogenic. First generation 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists are effective prophylactic agents but require multiple administrations. Palonosetron has a half life of 36-42 hours and has higher affinity and selectivity to the 5-HT(3) receptor. Adult studies have demonstrated that palonosetron is both more effective and require fewer administrations than first generation 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a single dose of palonosetron (5 µg/kg) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children 18 years of age with ALL treated with HD-MTX, 5 g/m(2).

METHODS

Between January 2010 and December 2010, 138 courses, originating from 53 children, were included from four Danish Childhood Cancer Centers. Information regarding emetic episodes, rescue therapy, and nausea were recorded prospectively on questionnaires.

RESULTS

Complete response (no emesis and no rescue therapy) was achieved in 84.1% of courses during the acute (0-24 hours post-chemotherapy) and in 60.1% during the delayed phase (24-66 hours post-chemotherapy). 92.0% of courses were free of emesis during the acute, and 86.2% were free of emesis during the delayed phase. 76.8% of courses were free of nausea during the acute, and 78.3% were free of nausea during the delayed phase.

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of palonosetron--without concomitant corticosteroid--was effective in preventing both acute and delayed phase CINV in majority of children with ALL treated with HD-MTX.