Update on the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting – focus on palonosetron

Chemotherapy is associated with a variety of side effects, and many of these can be dose-limiting. One of the most dreaded side effects for patients receiving chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting, however. Although in the last 2 decades there have been several advances in the development of new therapies for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), recent pharmacologic advances have significantly improved control of this feared side effect. Antiemetic guidelines help clinicians manage CINV and are updated frequently. Ongoing studies further define appropriate management of patients with CINV; of particular interest is delayed nausea and vomiting. With the addition of the long-acting serotonin antagonist, palonosetron, and the unique neurokinin-1 antagonist, aprepitant, control of CINV has improved considerably for those patients receiving chemotherapy. This article discusses CINV and recent pharmacologic advances in controlling this side effect. Guidelines for the management of CINV are reviewed.