Prevalence of Anticipatory Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients Exposed to Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy

Prevalence of Anticipatory Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients Exposed to Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting are common adverse events related to oncologic treatments. It can have deleterious effect on patients' quality of life and could lead to dose reductions and/or discontinuation of treatment. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of nausea and vomiting induced by highly emetogenic chemotherapy in patients who had adequate antiemetic prophylaxis, also to describe the epidemiologic profile and identify predisposing factors.

The investigators will track patients in the first and second cycles of chemotherapy. Information regarding comorbidities, medical history and sociodemographic characteristics will be collected. The impact of nausea and vomiting induced by the treatment on patient's quality of life will be evaluated using the questionnaire Functional Living Index-Emesis - FLIE.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with histological confirmation of cancer;
• Patients who will start chemotherapy with a high-grade emetogenic scheme and who have received adequate antiemetic prophylaxis;
• No previous cancer treatment for the current diagnosis (excluding surgery);

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have an inability to answer the questionnaire, due to lack of discernment to answer the questions reliably;
• Patients who report vomiting during the 24 hours prior to the first cycle of chemotherapy treatment;
• Patients who have a disease or condition that could cause emesis (ie, metastasis in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal obstruction or metabolic and electrolyte imbalances);
• Patients using opioids or illicit drugs;
• Alcoholism;