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Anticipatory nausea and vomiting: does it remain a significant clinical problem?
M E Stefanek1, V R Sheidler, J H Fetting
1Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
Cancer
|December 15, 1988
Summary
Anticipatory symptoms in chemotherapy patients remain prevalent at 33%, similar to previous studies. While linked to nausea duration, these symptoms are generally mild and not clinically significant.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Research
- Patient Care
Background:
- A previous study found a 31% prevalence of anticipatory symptoms.
- Anticipatory symptoms are psychological responses to chemotherapy.
- Improved antiemetic management and shorter chemotherapy regimens were expected to reduce prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current prevalence of anticipatory symptoms in patients receiving parenteral chemotherapy.
- To compare current prevalence rates with previous findings.
- To identify factors associated with anticipatory symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted over 7 weeks.
- 121 patients receiving parenteral chemotherapy were assessed.
- Prevalence and severity of anticipatory symptoms were recorded.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of anticipatory symptoms was 33%.
- This rate was not significantly different from previous studies.
- Longer duration of postchemotherapy nausea correlated with anticipatory symptoms.
- Prevalence in breast cancer patients on adjuvant therapy was reduced.
- Reported symptom severity was mild.
Conclusions:
- Anticipatory symptoms are common in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Despite common occurrence, these symptoms are rarely clinically significant.
- Further research may explore specific interventions for mild cases.