ginger; however, clinical data
are insufficient so far to draw
firm conclusions and its use
has not been included in recent
guidelines. 3,6-9,54–58
There are insufficient data at
the time of writing on the use of
other agents such as gabapentin
and mirtazepine for CINV,
although further investigation is
warranted.
Non-pharmacological strategies
Many non-pharmacological
strategies are used to reduce
CINV. Literature data provide
limited support for several non-
pharmacological methods to
reduce CINV, including cognitive
distraction (for example, playing
video games during treatment),
systematic desensitisation
(a cognitive approach using
visualisation and learned
relaxation techniques), exercise,
hypnosis and acupuncture. 3,7
Apart from these strategies,
lifestyle measures regarding food
(eating small but frequent amounts
of food, food at room temperature,
etc) might help to alleviate nausea
and vomiting.
Conclusions
5-HT3 RAs, NK1 RAs and
corticosteroids remain the
standard for prevention and
treatment of CINV.
Although the majority of
patients gain complete protection
with these agents, a number of
62 | 2018 | hospitalpharmacyeurope.com
patients still experience nausea
and vomiting.
Continuing research on the
pharmacological approaches to
CINV is necessary, particularly for
nausea, as is the development of
new antiemetics, thereby leading
to an improved quality of life for
both adult and paediatric cancer
patients.
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