Factors affecting chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma

To identify factors associated with the severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 301 LSCC patients who received chemotherapy between January 2021 and December 2024. CINV severity was assessed using the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching. Post-chemotherapy assessments included blood measurements, inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and serum albumin levels. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with CINV severity.

A history of coronary heart disease significantly increased the risk of moderate to severe CINV (P = 0.010). Higher forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) was associated with a reduced risk of severe CINV (P = 0.053). Higher albumin levels were associated with more severe CINV (P = 0.048). Elevated IL-6 levels were found to have a protective effect against severe CINV (P < 0.001). Higher partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) significantly reduced the risk of severe CINV (P = 0.002), while increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) was associated with greater CINV severity (P = 0.017).

CINV severity in LSCC patients is influenced by a combination of pulmonary function (FEV₁, PaO₂, PaCO₂), inflammatory markers (IL-6, CRP, TNF-α), serum albumin levels, and cardiovascular comorbidities. These findings provide a foundation for personalized supportive care to enhance the quality of life in patients receiving chemotherapy.