[Nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy: bases to a rational treatment]

Nausea and vomiting are a serious side effect of chemotherapy, frequently leading to failure of treatment compliance. Chemotherapeutic agents act preferentially on the chemo-receptor trigger zone located at the floor of the 4th ventricle. Vomiting may develop at initiation of therapy or several days later. Phenotiazine derivatives, butyrophenones or methochlopramide are particularly useful by their anti-dopaminergic effects. Canabinoids or steroids may be also useful. Combinations of drugs are frequently required.