Glaus A, Knipping C, Morant R, Böhme C, Lebert B, Beldermann F, Glawogger B, Ortega PF, Hüsler A, Deuson R. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in routine practice: a European perspective.
Support Care Cancer 2004;
12:708-15. [PMID:
15278682 DOI:
10.1007/s00520-004-0662-x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
GOALS OF WORK
The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and its effect on patients' ability to carry out daily life activities following moderately to highly emetogenic, first-cycle chemotherapy in routine practice in cancer centers of four different European countries.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This was a prospective, cross-sectional, nonrandomized, self-assessment study in 249 patients enrolled from cancer centers in Spain, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The study population consisted of 78% women, with a mean age of 54. Breast, lung, and ovarian cancers made up 75% of all cancers in the study. Patients received a mean of 2.0 chemotherapy agents and 2.5 antiemetic drugs.
MAIN RESULTS
A total of 450 emetic episodes experienced by 243 patients was recorded over 5 days following chemotherapy, with an average of 1.8 episodes per patient (range: 0-28). A higher percentage of patients (38%) suffered from delayed compared to acute emesis (13%). Between 42% and 52% of all patients suffered from nausea (visual analogue scale > or = 5 mm) on any one day, peaking at day 3. Using the Functional Living Index for Emesis (FLIE) questionnaire, 75% of patients with nausea and 50% with vomiting reported a negative impact of these conditions on performance of daily living.
CONCLUSIONS
CINV remains a significant problem in routine practice, particularly in the delayed phase posttreatment. Overall, CINV had a negative impact on patients' daily life.
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