PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No unstable medical disorder No known hypersensitivity to any 5HT3 receptor antagonist At least 1 hour since prior nausea and/or at least 24 hours since prior emesis (i.e., vomiting and/or retching)