Guidelines for anti-emetic therapy: Acute emesis

A. A. Fauser, M. Fellhauer, M. Hoffmann, H. Link, G. Schlimok, R. J. Gralla

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Anti-emetic therapy has become integral to the management of patients with cancer. Goals related to complete emesis control include providing treatment that reduces hospitalisation and time in the ambulatory setting, care that is convenient for the patient and therapy that enhances patients' quality of life. A panel of clinical, health economic and basic scientists with expertise in various oncology disciplines reviewed published literature to develop evidence-based consensus guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced emesis. Currently, serotonin receptor antagonists and corticosteroids are the two categories of anti-emetics that are most effective, have the fewest side-effects and are convenient to use. These agents are recommended in combination for highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens and as single agents or in combination for moderately to highly emetogenic chemotherapy. When possible, these agents may be given orally in single doses; current evidence does not support dose escalation for either category of anti-emetics. In special situations, such as the use of high-dose chemotherapy combination regimens, the most emetogenic component of the regimen should dictate the choice of anti-emetic. Appropriate anti- emetic use described in these guidelines represents both good medical practice and a sensible economic approach to care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)361-370
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer
Volume35
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) antagonist
  • Anti-emetic therapy
  • Cancer
  • Chemotherapy
  • Corticosteroid
  • Emesis
  • Serotonin antagonist
  • Supportive care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Guidelines for anti-emetic therapy: Acute emesis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this