Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a prevalent and distressing side effect for 70-80% of cancer patients.
• Fear of CINV can lead to treatment delays, refusal, or discontinuation, significantly impacting patient outcomes.
• Specific CINV types like anticipatory, delayed, and nausea alone pose persistent challenges despite treatment advances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology and psychophysiology of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
• To outline current recommended guidelines for the standard management of CINV.
• To highlight emerging and targeted treatment strategies for improved CINV control.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on CINV.
• Analysis of current clinical guidelines for chemotherapy antiemesis.
• Review of recent studies on novel targeted therapies for CINV.

Main Results:

• CINV encompasses complex patho-psychophysiological mechanisms.
• Standard antiemetic guidelines exist but do not fully address all CINV types.
• Newer targeted treatments show promise in improving CINV management.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of CINV is crucial for maintaining cancer treatment adherence and improving patient quality of life.
• A multi-faceted approach addressing pathophysiology, standard care, and targeted therapies is necessary.
• Ongoing research into novel treatments is vital for overcoming the persistent challenges of CINV.