Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: antiemetic trials that impacted clinical practice

Abstract

Objective: to review the scientific evidence related to serotonin and substance P and the clinical impact targeting these two neurotransmitters have had managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

Data source: a PubMed search (January 1968 to December 2008), restricted to English-language publications, was conducted using the key words antiemetics, cancer chemotherapy, cisplatin, serotonin, substance P, NK(1), and 5-HT(3). Abstracts emanating from the meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer during the period May 2000 to June 2008 were also reviewed.

Data synthesis: two important outcomes emanated from well-conducted antiemetic clinical trials (Table 1): first, evidence that serotonin and substance P are major mediators of acute and delayed symptoms and second, improved, though not complete, control of CINV.

Conclusion: serotonin-type 3 and neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists are the most effective agents currently available. In most cases, these agents are used in conjunction with glucocorticoids. The use of these three types of agents is incorporated into current clinical practice guidelines. Further understanding of the biological and biochemical basis of nausea and vomiting may enhance management of this potentially debilitating adverse effect.