Controlling CINV

Nausea and vomiting are among the most common side effects of cancer chemotherapy, and it’s not surprising that these are some of the symptoms cancer patients fear the most. About 70%-80% of all patients receiving chemotherapy may experience nausea and vomiting if not properly prevented. Preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) can help your quality of life during treatment, improving your ability to complete normal household tasks, continue with work, and spend time with family and friends.

Individual patient risk factors may influence whether you will experience CINV.

Your body responds to some chemotherapy drugs (or other foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, or poisons) by sending chemical signals (neurotransmitters) to a vomiting center in the brain. This makes vomiting happen.

Uncontrolled CINV can cause serious problems, such as dehydration, malnutrition, and a higher risk of becoming sick from future chemotherapy. It may also interfere with your normal daily activities, such as performing tasks around the house, going to work, even something as simple as taking a shower. CINV may even prevent you from receiving all of your chemotherapy on time. This could reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.

It is important to discuss CINV with your healthcare professional so that it can be prevented or treated.