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Nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy: drug management in theory and in practice
  1. E S Antonarakis1,
  2. R D W Hain2
  1. 1University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
  2. 2Department of Paediatric Palliative Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Llandough Hospital, Penlan Road, Cardiff CF64 2XX, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
    Dr R D W Hain
    Department of Paediatric Palliative Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Llandough Hospital, Penlan Road, Cardiff CF64 2XX, UK; HainRDcardiff.ac.uk

Abstract

The function of cytotoxics is to damage cells, and it makes teleological sense for the body to expel them as soon after ingestion as possible. Ideally, from the body’s point of view, they should simply be avoided, and it is not surprising that the experience of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is powerfully aversive. Nausea and vomiting were once among the most intractable and unpleasant experiences of a child undergoing treatment for cancer.

  • 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine
  • ACh, acetylcholine
  • CINV, chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting
  • CTZ, chemoreceptor trigger zone
  • D2, dopamine
  • VC, vomiting centre
  • cancer
  • chemotherapy
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • palliative medicine
  • symptom control

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