Abstract
The incidence of cancer is highest in people over 65 years of age, yet this population is not well represented in clinical trials for antiemetic therapies. Cytotoxic-induced nausea and vomiting remain two of the most distressing side effects for patients; however, the lack of adequate trial data has meant that specific recommendations for the appropriate use of antiemetics in the elderly are lacking. Consequently, clinicians must adjust the available recommendations to their elderly patients on an individual patient basis. However, declining organ function and frequent comorbid conditions mean that this patient group may be at risk of suboptimal antiemetic therapy and/or drug–drug interactions. This article will review relevant data for recommended antiemetics – 5-hydroxytryptamine3-receptor antagonists, neurokinin-1 antagonists and corticosteroids – to assist in the selection of an appropriate agent for this subgroup of patients.