Background and Methods
ÎAmong the side effects of cancer treatment, nausea and vomiting rank as the second most feared by patients with cancer.
ÎThe ability to prevent or control both symptoms has dramatically improved, particularly with the introduction of high-therapeutic index agents.
ÎThis guideline was initially published by ASCO in 1999; the last update was in 2006.
ÎThis guideline is based on a systematic review of the literature; only randomized controlled trials were considered.
ÎDatabases searched included MEDLINE and the Cochrane Collaboration Library.
ÎFurther material was culled from full presentations or posters presented at the ASCO and Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer annual meetings available since the 2006 update.
ÎInclusion criteria for the systematic review:
> The intervention was for the treatment of nausea or vomiting secondary to cancer therapy (particularly chemo- or radiation therapy).
> Nausea and/or vomiting outcomes were reported (such as Complete Response).
> Patients were followed for a minimum of five days (120 hours) following the intervention.
> Each trial arm included a minimum of 25 randomized patients.
ÎA systematic review on the effectiveness of newer antiemetics (aprepitant and the 5-HT3
receptor antagonists), funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), was initially reviewed for relevant papers.
