Antiemetics: an update and the MASCC guidelines applied in clinical practice.
Nausea and vomiting are two of the most severe problems for patients treated with chemotherapy. Until the late 1970s, nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy was an almost neglected research area. With the introduction of cisplatin, the cytotoxin with the highest emetic potential, research was stimulated and has now resulted in the development of two new classes of antiemetics, the serotonin and neurokinin antagonists. A large number of trials have fine-tuned antiemetic therapy and made evidence-based recommendations possible for the majority of patients receiving chemotherapy. This Review discusses the pathophysiology of nausea and vomiting, the development of antiemetics, highlights some of the newest antiemetics, and finally summarizes recommendations from the evidence-based guidelines developed by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer.
Herrstedt
Jørn
J
Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark. herrstedt@dadlnet.dk
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000145:classification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter