Cancer therapy-induced emesis: the nurse's perspective

There have been significant improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumours. However, recent advances in cytostatic therapy are associated with several adverse side-effects which can impair the patient's well-being and may result in refusal or delay of treatment. Nausea and vomiting are perceived to be the most unpleasant of these side-effects. This paper addresses some of the issues involved in the improvement of these two distressing symptoms.