Behavioral and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of ...

Behavioral and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Aprepitant in Cisplatin-Induced Emesis: A Novel Approach to Antiemetic Therapy

Author Name : Khushboo Kumari, Ms Reenu Chauhan

ABSTRACT Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most distressing and common adverse effects experienced by cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy, particularly with agents like cisplatin. This complication significantly impairs patient comfort, reduces compliance with treatment regimens, and adversely affects overall quality of life. Traditional antiemetic therapies, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists, primarily target acute emesis but often fail to fully address delayed-phase nausea and vomiting. Aprepitant, a selective neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, offers a novel mechanism of action by inhibiting the binding of substance P to NK1 receptors in the central nervous system, which is implicated in the pathophysiology of both acute and delayed emesis. In this preclinical study, we evaluated the behavioral and pharmacodynamic efficacy of aprepitant in a cisplatin-induced emesis model using Wistar rats.