Chemotherapy-induced complications in patients with lung cancer: An evaluation by pharmacists

In lung cancer patients, chemotherapy-induced complications are considered to be distressing reactions even in the era of new antiemetics, such as aprepitant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of such complications. This prospective observational study was performed in our institution between 2011 and 2012. Certain complications including nausea, vomiting, appetite, stomatitis, constipation, diarrhea and dysesthesia, on days 1-7 were evaluated by pharmacists. The questionnaires and diaries of chemotherapy-induced complications were evaluated in the 31 patients included in the study. The majority of the enrolled patients were male (81%). Six (19%) patients were administered cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP)-, 21 (69%) chemotherapy by carboplatin (CBDCA)- and 4 (13%) non-platinum regimen chemotherapies. Ten (32.3%) of the 31 patients exhibited nausea but only 3 (9.7%) of them experienced vomiting. On days 5-6, 23.8 and 9.5%, respectively, of patients treated with CDDP-regimens had nausea and vomiting. Three of the other most common complications were constipation, general fatigue and appetite loss. The incidence of these complications was 77.4, 71.0 and 67.7%, respectively. Even in the era of new antiemetics, CDDP-regimen chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as well as constipation; general fatigue and appetite loss continue to be problems. A better appreciation of the incidence of these chemotherapy-related complications by medical oncologists and medical staff is essential for their adequate control.