Management of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea Vomiting (CINV) in Breast Cancer Patients: An Imperative Factor in Patient Compliance

Abstract

Surgery combined with radiation therapy, with or without systemic chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and antihuman epidermal growth factor receptor 2 targeted therapy, is the standard of care for treating breast cancer. Patients with a range of early- and end-stage breast cancer malignancies may experience chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), which is a frequent side effect. Different routes and neurotransmitters are in charge of controlling various types of CINV, including acute, delayed, anticipatory, breakthrough, and refractory. Breast cancer patients' quality of life may be impacted by CINV symptoms because they may have physical, dietary, and metabolic abnormalities. From a healthcare standpoint, this is difficult because a decline in quality of life (QoL) may prompt patients to stop receiving chemotherapy in the future, which could affect their overall prognosis. To minimize morbidity and overall healthcare expenses for patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy, CINV must be minimized. On the consequences of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting on the QoL of breast cancer patients, little study has been undertaken. Despite the widespread use of several grading systems, many antiemetic medications are still required to treat CINV successfully. Oncologists must actively manage CINV since it is a serious problem that necessitates both prevention and therapy. The goal of treating CINV is to prevent the clinical, QOL, and financial concerns that emerge from poorly managed CINV. Healthcare professionals and pharmacists can be prepared to adopt the most effective prevention and treatment strategies with updated antiemetic procedures and novel antiemetic medicines. In the current study, we have reviewed the background of CINV, its pathogenesis, risk factors, current recommendations, and therapeutic strategies, including an antiemetic regimen, with a focus on its manifestations in breast cancer chemotherapy.