Radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Abstract

Radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV) are common and troublesome symptoms experienced by patients undergoing radiotherapy. Although quality of life and symptom control now figure prominently in evaluations of cancer therapies, progress in RINV research and clinical prevention has been slow. This article summarizes the major guidelines for the prevention of RINV; their structure, recommendations, evidence base and notable issues. It also examines the current challenges and controversies related to RINV clinical management and research, and provides possible solutions for them that could ultimately lead to better patient care.

Keywords::

• antiemetic
• emesis
• guideline
• nausea
• prevention
• prophylaxis
• radiation
• radiotherapy
• side effect
• vomiting

Financial & competing interests disclosure

K Dennis is supported in this work by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Fellowship Award. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

^†Indicates statistically significant risk factor based on The Italian Group for Antiemetic Research in Radiotherapy (IGARR) observational trial [3].