Radiation-induced nausea and vomiting

Radiation-induced nausea and vomiting is a common problem for cancer patients. The emetogenic potential of radiation depends greatly on the location of the radiation field, the size of the radiation field, and the fractionation scheme. Radiation fields can be categorized as having high, moderate, low, or minimal emetogenic risk, and treatment differs accordingly. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology publish clinical practice guidelines addressing the issue of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting. This article reviews the treatment recommendations for each category of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting from these national and international guideline committees and provides the rationale for these recommendations.