PURPOSE: The incidence and duration of chemotherapy-induced emesis, pa
thophysiology of the emetic response, and antiemetic-treatment of opti
ons are reviewed. OVERVIEW: Nausea and vomiting are among the most com
mon and debilitating side effects of cancer chemotherapy. If not contr
olled, these side effects may interfere with the delivery, of potentia
lly life-saving treatment. Acute, delayed, and anticipatory nausea and
vomiting may be prevented by appropriate antiemetic therapy. Drug sel
ection is based on the emetogenicity of the patient's cancer treatment
and potency of the antiemetic agent. Efficacy and safety of the antie
metic regimen are often improved by combining agents with different me
chanisms of action. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: By preventing and controlli
ng chemotherapy-induced emesis, clinicians may improve cancer patients
' functional status and quality of life significantly. Improved tolera
bility may lead to greater patient acceptance of chemotherapy and prev
ent premature withdrawal from or cessation of treatment. Controlling c
hemotherapy-induced emesis also helps to decrease the direct and indir
ect costs of managing cancer.