Initiatives to improve control, resource use, and quality of life associated with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Patients indicate that among the most feared side effects of cancer are chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), with up to 80% of patients affected if appropriate prophylaxis is not administered. CINV affects patient quality of life, may interfere with chemotherapy compliance which can possibly influence cancer survival outcomes, and results in greater healthcare resource utilisation. An array of antiemetics that act on different receptors involved in CINV pathways are available, as are antiemetic guidelines from various international and national bodies (such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology [ASCO], Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer [MASCC] and European Society for Medical Oncology [ESMO], and National Comprehensive Cancer Network [NCCN]). Optimal management of CINV and other treatment-related side effects has been associated with improved quality of life, longer duration of anticancer treatments, and decreased utilisation of emergency care. Although progress has been made, there are still unmet needs, the greatest of which is the lack of complete nausea control