Treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
BACKGROUND
Recent improvements in medical oncology include both development of anticancer and supportive therapy. Serotonin receptor antagonists were introduced in clinical practice 20 years ago. Since then, the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting allows continuing efficacious chemotherapy that earlier had to be stopped sometimes for intolerance.


OBJECTIVE
This anniversary review summarises the current antiemetic arsenal focussing on the most potent antiemetic drugs such as serotonin and substance P receptor antagonists.


RESULTS
Antiemetic treatment improves quality of life under chemotherapy and contributes to the survival benefit as well. In spite of the use of these new drugs, a significant number of patients still experience nausea and vomiting. Special complications like delayed emesis can be alleviated by combination therapies.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention and optimal management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting should be a goal for most patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy.
Department of Medical Oncology, National Institute of Oncology, Rabat, Morocco.
Hanane
H
Inrhaoun
Tamás
T
Kullmann
Ibrahim
I
Elghissassi
Hind
H
Mrabti
Hassan
H
Errihani
D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents