Gabapentin in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting Induced by Chemotherapy

Clinical Trial of Gabapentin in the Prevention of Nausea Ond Vomiting Induced by Chemotherapy, a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo Controled Study

Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug. Its antiemetic effect is demonstrated after laparoscopic surgery, but it is not yet known whether gabapentin is effective in preventing chemotherapy induced emesis.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of gabapentin to dexamethasone plus ondansetron increase the control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

This was a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted at our institution (Faculdade de Medicina da Fundação ABC and affiliated Hospitals) from April 2009 to April 2010. Patients and personnel involved in the study were blinded to the assigned treatment. The study was approved by the ethics committee of our institution. All the patients provided written informed consent.

Inclusion Criteria:

• First course of chemotherapy ( cisplatin or doxorubicin at a dose of at least 50mg per square meter)
• Written informed consent must be obtained before initiating the protocol procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• ECOG 3
• Nausea and vomiting within the past 1 day
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Concurrent use of opioid
• Patients with brain metastases
• History of allergic or other adverse reaction to gabapentin