ABSTRACT

Purpose:

We assessed the antiemetic effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and whether an ondansetron-TENS combination has a stronger antiemetic effect in patients receiving chemotherapy.

Methods:

Two study groups were formed from 14 testis tumor patients scheduled for BEP (Bleomycin, Etoposide, Cisplatin) chemotherapy and 11 urinary bladder tumor patients scheduled for MVEC (Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Epirubicin, Cisplatin) chemotherapy. For three cycles of each chemotherapy regimen, TENS, ondansetron or ondansetron+TENS was applied randomly to each patient as an antiemetic therapy. Patients were asked to grade their nausea using a zero to ten scale during this therapy. In addition, the antiemetic attacks of each patient were registered.

Results:

The ondansetron+TENS combination was significantly more effective than TENS and ondansetron alone for reducing nausea and preventing emetic attacks in both groups (p<0.05). Assessment of response to antiemetic therapy within groups with a chi-square test revealed that ondansetron alone was more effective than TENS alone; similarly, ondansetron+TENS was found to be more effective than ondansetron alone in both groups. This difference was statistically significant for both groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Ondansetron used alone has an acceptable antiemetic effect. TENS used alone has a minor antiemetic effect but TENS added to ondansetron is the most effective therapy preventing nausea and emetic attacks caused by chemotherapy.