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Serotonin Levels and Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Overview
Journal Asian Pac J Cancer Prev
Specialty Oncology
Date 2024 Sep 29
PMID 39342605
Authors
Damai Santosa
Alifiati Fitrikasari
Fenty Iswaningtyas
Novalia Kuntardjo
Kevin Tandarto
Titis Hadiati
Tanjung Ayu Sumekar
Widodo Sarjana
Natalia Dewi Wardani
Innawati Jusup
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Introduction: Nausea and vomiting are distressing symptoms experienced by cancer patients undergoing treatment, impacting their physical well-being and quality of life. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter known for its role in regulating mood and gastrointestinal function, has been implicated in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). This study aimed to investigate serotonin level differences between CINV and non-CINV groups among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: An analytical observational investigation utilizing a cross-sectional design was conducted at Dr. Kariadi General Hospital from 2021-2022. Non-random consecutive sampling was employed to select participants meeting inclusion criteria, including age between 18 and 65 years, undergoing chemotherapy, non-smoking, and no recent antibiotic use. Platelet-poor plasma samples were analyzed for serotonin levels using a radioimmunoassay kit (Microplate reader ELx800).

Results: This study included 61 subjects compared serotonin levels in two groups to investigate their potential association with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The non-CINV group (n=31) had a median serotonin level of 70 (IQR: 20) ng/mL, while the CINV group (n=30) had a significantly higher median of 170 ng/mL (IQR: 50) ng/mL. Age was associated with a 1.2 ng/mL increase in serotonin per year (95% CI: 0.5-1.9, p = 0.002), adjusted for sex. Being male correlated with a 40 ng/mL increase (95% CI: 10-70, p = 0.010), adjusted for age.

Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of understanding serotonin's role in CINV and highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches based on chemotherapy emetogenicity.

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