Ondansetron Rapidly Dissolving Film for the Prophylactic Treatment of Radiation-Induced Nausea and Vomiting—A Pilot Study

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of an ondansetron rapidly dissolving film (RDF) in the prophylaxis of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV). Rapidly dissolving film formulations facilitate drug delivery in circumstances in which swallowing the medication might be difficult for the patient. Methods: Patients undergoing palliative radiotherapy at risk for RINV were prescribed ondansetron RDF 8 mg twice daily while on treatment and were asked to complete a nausea and vomiting–specific daily diary, the Functional Living Index–Emesis (FLIE), and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–C15 Palliative (QLQ-C15-PAL). Patients were categorized as receiving primary or secondary prophylaxis based on whether they had already experienced emetic episodes. “Overall control” was defined as a maximum increase of 2 episodes of nausea or vomiting from baseline. “Acute phase” was defined as the days during radiation until the first day after radiation; “delayed phase” was defined as days 2–10 after radiation. Results: The study accrued 30 patients. Rates of overall control for nausea and for vomiting during the acute phase in the primary prophylaxis group were 88% and 93% respectively; during the delayed phase, they were 73% and 75%. Rates of overall control for nausea and for vomiting during the acute phase in the secondary prophylaxis group were both 100%; during the delayed phase, they were 50%. The number of nausea and vomiting episodes was found to be significantly correlated with the flie and QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaires. Conclusions: Ondansetron rdf is effective for the prophylaxis of RINV.