Prophylaxis versus treatment: Is there a better way to manage radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting?

Journal Article · Mon Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 2004 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2004.07.722· OSTI ID:20630954

Horiot, Jean-Claude ^[1]

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1. Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer G. F. Leclerc, Dijon (France)

Nausea and vomiting are two of the most distressing side effects of radiotherapy and cytotoxic drugs, which currently are often combined to treat moderately advanced and advanced solid tumors. Inadequate control of these symptoms may result in significant patient suffering and decrease in the patient's quality of life, which has been shown to decrease patients' compliance to treatment, with potential impact on disease outcome. It is, therefore, important that radiation oncologists recognize the need for adequate prophylactic treatment of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV) to avoid the detrimental effects on patients' quality of life, and optimize chances for cure. The 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT{sub 3})-receptor antagonists have been proved to provide effective antiemetic therapy in patients undergoing highly emetogenic radiotherapy. Nevertheless, several large surveys have shown that optimal treatments are not always used. Hence, a risk exists that waiting for RINV symptoms rather than prescribing prophylactic antiemetic treatment may lead to increased patient suffering, poorer disease control, and less cost-effective therapy options. Prophylactic management with an effective 5-HT{sub 3}-receptor antagonist should offer a better treatment option for patients at high to moderate risk of RINV. Adequate control of RINV should contribute to patient compliance to treatment, improved therapy outcomes, and decreased burdens on nursing and health care resources.

• OSTI ID: 20630954
• Journal Information: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Journal Name: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 60; ISSN IOBPD3; ISSN 0360-3016
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
CARCINOMAS
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
NAUSEA
PATIENTS
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
RADIOTHERAPY
RECEPTORS
SIDE EFFECTS
VOMITING