Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
There are well-established patient-related factors known to increase the emetic risk of emesis. These include young age, female gender, history of low alcohol intake, motion sickness, experience of emesis during pregnancy, impaired quality of life, and previous exposure to chemotherapy. While these factors are well established, antiemetic guidelines have historically been based solely on the emetogenicity of the chemotherapy. However, if one is to approach antiemetic prophylaxis in a comprehensive manner, then consideration should be given to both the emetic risk associated with the chemotherapy and the individual patient-related factors. Consequently, integrating a patient-related risk factor profile or algorithm into the guidelines is an intriguing concept. However, further research would be needed (such as prospective validation studies) before implementation and the feasibility of such a model in routine practice is questionable, particularly if the introduction of such a model further complicates guideline recommendations/adherence.
Patient-related Factors Contributing to Emetic Risk
There are well-established patient-related factors known to increase the emetic risk of emesis. These include young age, female gender, history of low alcohol intake, motion sickness, experience of emesis during pregnancy, impaired quality of life, and previous exposure to chemotherapy. While these factors are well established, antiemetic guidelines have historically been based solely on the emetogenicity of the chemotherapy. However, if one is to approach antiemetic prophylaxis in a comprehensive manner, then consideration should be given to both the emetic risk associated with the chemotherapy and the individual patient-related factors. Consequently, integrating a patient-related risk factor profile or algorithm into the guidelines is an intriguing concept. However, further research would be needed (such as prospective validation studies) before implementation and the feasibility of such a model in routine practice is questionable, particularly if the introduction of such a model further complicates guideline recommendations/adherence.