Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting--prevention and treatment.
BACKGROUND
Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting are among the most feared consequences of cancer treatment. Recent developments in drug treatment make the goal of no nausea or vomiting during chemotherapy realistic.


OBJECTIVE
In this article we review the pathogenesis and management of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting.


CONCLUSIONS
Regimens to prevent chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting are guided by the emetogenic potential of the chemotherapeutic agents used. Combined prophylactic therapy targets different pathways, improving the efficacy of prevention and treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. General practitioners have an important role in patients undergoing chemotherapy by reinforcing the importance of prophylactic treatment and administering rescue treatment for patients with breakthrough or prolonged nausea and vomiting postchemotherapy.
Feeney
Kynan
K
Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, and School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Australia. kynan.feeney@health.wa.gov.au
Cain
Michael
M
Nowak
Anna K
AK
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D018040:Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / Q000187:drug effects; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D018040:Receptors, Neurokinin-1; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors