Recent advancement in the management of Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Abstract

The etiology, assessment and the pharmacotherapy of patients with Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting are reviewed. In the clinical practice of oncology, adverse drug reactions due to chemotherapy have become almost synonymous with the treatment themselves. The low therapeutic index of chemotherapy and the predictable and common adverse events with cancer treatments means that these events are seen as an un-avoidable component of treatment. Supportive care therapies are critical to the physical and emotional well being of the patient with cancer, which increases the chance, that chemotherapy and radiation can be administered at the optimal dose and on schedule. Approximately 70% to 80% of patients who receive chemotherapy; experience nausea and vomiting (N&V), which can disrupt their lives in numerous ways. The emetogenicity of the chemotherapy regimen greatly affects the patient`s risk for developing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). In addition to established and emerging pharmaco logical approaches to managing CINV, many complementary and integrated modalities may be the options. Progress in CINV management must include a better understanding of its etiology and focus on prevention. This is a review article.