Nausea and Vomiting Induced by Cytostatic Agents

Abstract

The current knowledge on treatment of emesis induced by cytostatic therapy is reviewed. A description of the multiple causative mechanisms shows the rationality of combining antiemetic agents in the prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, especially when induced by highly emetogenic chemotherapeutic agents as cisplatin. The need for prevention instead of treatment is demonstrated by explaining the syndrome of anticipatory nausea and vomiting. Promising efficacy and lack of serious side effects are reported for newly developed 5-hydroxytryptamine₃ antagonists.

Key Words:

• Cytostatic therapy
• emesis
• receptor
• serotonin