Drug of choice for cisplatin induced emesis is –
## **Core Concept**
Cisplatin is a chemotherapy medication known to cause severe nausea and vomiting, a condition referred to as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The management of CINV often involves a combination of antiemetic drugs targeting different pathways.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, , is a substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. These agents are highly effective in preventing delayed emesis associated with chemotherapy, particularly with cisplatin. By blocking the NK1 receptor in the central nervous system, these drugs prevent the transmission of emetic signals. Aprepitant, a prototype of this class, has been shown to significantly improve the control of cisplatin-induced emesis when used in conjunction with a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and a corticosteroid.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** - This option is incorrect because, although ondansetron is effective against acute emesis due to its action as a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, it is not the most effective agent for preventing delayed emesis when used alone.
* **Option B:** - This option is incorrect as metoclopramide can be used for preventing emesis but is not as effective as NK1 receptor antagonists for cisplatin-induced emesis, especially for delayed emesis.
* **Option D:** - This option is incorrect because, while dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) is commonly used in combination with other antiemetics for synergistic effects, it is not the drug of choice specifically for cisplatin-induced emesis when considering the need for targeted therapy against substance P/NK1 pathways.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, especially with highly emetogenic agents like cisplatin, a combination of antiemetics is often required. This typically includes a 5-HT3 antagonist (like ondansetron), a corticosteroid (like dexamethasone), and an NK1 receptor antagonist (like aprepitant). This combination significantly improves the control of both acute and delayed emesis.
## **Correct Answer:** .