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Previous Volume 358:2482-2494 June 5, 2008 Number 23 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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The supportive care of patients receiving antineoplastic treatment has dramatically improved over the past two decades. The development of effective means to prevent nausea and vomiting arising from chemotherapy serves as one of the most important examples of this progress. Patients beginning cancer treatment consistently list chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as one of their greatest fears.^1,2 Inadequately controlled emesis impairs functional activity and quality of life for patients, increases the use of health care resources, and may occasionally compromise adherence to treatment.^3,4,5 New insights into the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, a better understanding of the risk factors for . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Background

Neurophysiology of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Mechanisms

Neurotransmitters

Antiemetic Agents

Agents with a High Therapeutic Index

            5-HT₃ Antagonists

            Neurokinin-1–Receptor Antagonists

            Corticosteroids

Agents with a Low Therapeutic Index

Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Single-Day Chemotherapy

            High Emetic Risk

            Moderate Emetic Risk

            Low Emetic Risk

            Minimal Emetic Risk

Other Chemotherapy Settings

Summary

Source Information

From Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston.

Address reprint requests to Dr. Hesketh at Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, HOQ Rm. 224, 736 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02135, or at phesketh@massmed.org.

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• Duval, A., Dubertret, L. (2009). Aprepitant as an Antipruritic Agent?. NEJM 361: 1415-1416 [Full Text]  
• Hesketh, P. J. (2009). Penny Wise, Dollar Foolish Approach to Antiemetic Use May Compromise Patient Care. J Oncol Pract 5: 221-222 [Full Text]  
• Diemunsch, P., Joshi, G. P., Brichant, J.-F. (2009). Neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Br J Anaesth 103: 7-13 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
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