Comparative activity of antiemetic drugs

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2007 Feb;61(2):162-75. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2006.08.003.

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting continues to be an important problem for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are classified as acute, occurring within the first 24h, or delayed, occurring after the first 24h. A number of antiemetic agents are available for the management of nausea and vomiting, including 5-HT3-receptor-antagonists, corticosteroids, NK-1-receptor-antagonists, dopamine-receptor antagonists, benzodiazepines, neuroleptics and cannabinoids. With modern antiemetic therapy, vomiting can be prevented in 70-80% of patients, whereas the control of nausea remains suboptimal. The development of acute emesis is known to depend on serotonin. The pathophysiology of delayed emesis is less well understood, and multiple mechanisms may contribute, including substance P. Here, the most recent developments in the antiemetic therapy, including new antiemetic drugs and the latest guidelines for antiemetic prophylaxis, are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiemetics / adverse effects
  • Antiemetics / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Nausea / chemically induced
  • Nausea / prevention & control*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Vomiting / chemically induced
  • Vomiting / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Antiemetics