Anticipatory nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy

Eur J Pharmacol. 2014 Jan 5:722:172-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.09.071. Epub 2013 Oct 21.

Abstract

As a specific variation of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV) appears particularly linked to psychological processes. The three predominant factors related to ANV are classical conditioning; demographic and treatment-related factors; and anxiety or negative expectancies. Laboratory models have provided some support for these underlying mechanisms for ANV. ANV may be treated with medical or pharmacological interventions, including benzodiazepines and other psychotropic medications. However, behavioral treatments, including systematic desensitization, remain first line options for addressing ANV. Some complementary treatment approaches have shown promise in reducing ANV symptoms. Additional research into these approaches is needed. This review will address the underlying models of ANV and provide a discussion of these various treatment options.

Keywords: Anticipatory nausea and vomiting; Behavioral treatments; Cancer; Nausea; Vomiting.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Complementary Therapies
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / drug therapy
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / etiology*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / psychology*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / therapy
  • Humans
  • Nausea / chemically induced*
  • Nausea / drug therapy
  • Nausea / psychology*
  • Nausea / therapy
  • Vomiting, Anticipatory / chemically induced*
  • Vomiting, Anticipatory / drug therapy
  • Vomiting, Anticipatory / psychology*
  • Vomiting, Anticipatory / therapy