by Introduction to Chemotherapy Induced Neutropenia (CIN)
Chemotherapy Induced Neutropenia (CIN) is one of the most common and effective treatments for cancer. However, one of the major side effects of chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting. Nearly 70-80% of all cancer patients experience some level of nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy. For many, it is one of the most distressing side effects that negatively impacts their quality of life. In this article, we will explore chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting in detail, its causes, treatment options and preventive measures.
What Causes Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting?
There are several factors that contribute to chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting:
Type of Chemotherapy Induced Neutropenia (CIN) Drugs
Highly emetogenic chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, doxorubicin, etc. have a higher likelihood of causing nausea and vomiting compared to low or minimally emetogenic drugs. Drugs that are commonly associated with severe nausea and vomiting include those used to treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, lymphoma and other cancers.
Timing
Nausea and vomiting is commonly experienced during chemotherapy infusion itself. For some patients, it may occur within a few hours after chemotherapy treatment. Delayed nausea can occur even 24-48 hours after treatment. Nausea that occurs more than 24 hours after treatment is called delayed nausea.
Individual Sensitivity
Some patients are inherently more sensitive to the side effects of chemotherapy like nausea compared to others. Factors like age, gender, history of motion sickness, anxiety levels, etc. influence individual’s risk. Younger patients and women are more prone to chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting.
Route of Administration
Chemotherapy administered intravenously (IV) tends to cause more severe nausea and vomiting than oral administration, as higher drug levels enter the bloodstream rapidly via IV route.
Treatment Options for Nausea Control
Medications play a crucial role in controlling and preventing chemotherapy induced nausea. Doctors commonly prescribe anti-emetic drugs before, during and after chemotherapy treatments based on the individual’s risk profile. Here are some of the standard options:
– 5-HT3 receptor antagonists: Ondansetron (Zofran), granisetron (Kytril), palonosetron (Aloxi) are very effective in controlling acute nausea and vomiting.
– NK1 receptor antagonists: Aprepitant (Emend), rolapitant (Varubi), netupitant-palonosetron (Akynzeo) are used along with 5-HT3 antagonists for patients undergoing highly emetogenic chemo.
– Steroids: Dexamethasone (Decadron) relieves nausea by reducing inflammation. It is commonly used along with 5-HT3 and NK1 receptor antagonists.
– Benzodiazepines: Lorazepam (Ativan) provides anxiolytic effect and relieves anticipatory nausea associated with chemotherapy.
– Cannabinoids: Dronabinol (Marinol), nabilone (Cesamet) work by binding cannabinoid receptors in brain and decreasing nausea sensation.
– Antipsychotics: Olanzapine (Zyprexa) acts on various receptor sites in the brain’s vomiting center and has shown efficacy, especially against delayed nausea.
Preventive Measures for Better Nausea Control
In addition to anti-emetic medications, certain preventive lifestyle measures can help boost control over chemotherapy induced nausea:
– Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid empty stomach.
– Drink plenty of fluids but limit strongly flavored, fatty, fried foods.
– Stay well hydrated, avoid strong smells and stress.
– Practice deep breathing, relaxation techniques, imagery on chemotherapy days.
– Seek counselling support for anxiety, stress and healthy coping.
– Address any symptoms of nausea promptly rather than waiting for vomiting.
– Communicate openly with oncologist to discuss risk profile and optimal care plan.
– Consider acupuncture therapy for additional relief from anticipatory nausea.
Conclusion
With the advent of newer anti-emetic drugs, controlling chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting has become more successful than before. Chemotherapy Induced Neutropenia (CIN) A multimodal approach involving optimal medications, lifestyle changes and stress management helps cancer patients tolerate treatment better. Early identification of risk factors and preventive strategies greatly enhance nausea control and quality of life during cancer treatment. With optimal care, majority of patients can now receive chemotherapy with minimal nausea and vomiting.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
