Is Navoban (tropisetron) as effective as Zofran (ondansetron) in cisplatin-induced emesis? The French Navoban Study Group

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the antiemetic effectiveness and tolerability of Navoban (tropisetron) and Zofran (ondansetron) following high-dose (> or = 50 mg/m2) cisplatin chemotherapy. In a randomised, multi-centre, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group study, 117 evaluable chemotherapy-naive patients who received Navoban were compared with 114 who received Zofran. Patient diary cards were used to assess both acute (Day 1) and delayed (Days 2-6) nausea and vomiting. Total control of acute vomiting was achieved in 54% of Navoban and 65% of Zofran patients (p = 0.052), and total control of acute nausea in 66% and 62% respectively (p = 0.655). Total control of delayed vomiting was achieved in 44% of Navoban patients and 46% of Zofran patients (p = 0.765), and of delayed nausea in 56% and 47% respectively (p = 0.207). Both reactions combined were totally prevented during the entire 6-day trial period in 22% of Navoban and 24% of Zofran patients (NS), while a further 42% of patients in both groups remained largely free from both nausea and emesis. The few adverse reactions (e.g. headache, constipation, diarrhoea) were mainly mild and typical of the 5-HT3-receptor antagonists. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in efficacy and tolerability between Navoban 5 mg once daily and the highest recommended dose of Zofran (32 mg on Day 1, followed by 8 mg three times a day).