Prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting: a focus on aprepitant.

BACKGROUND

Nausea and vomiting is one of the most feared side effects of chemotherapy; however, in the past 20 years, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) has led to the introduction of newer antiemetics, which have improved the management of this side effect.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the prevention of CINV and the role of aprepitant, the first of the newest class of antiemetics, the neurokinin-1 inhibitors. A brief description of the pathophysiology of CINV and the background on the prevention of CINV using the 5-HT(3) antagonists is outlined. The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions and various clinical studies with aprepitant are reviewed.

METHODS

The literature about aprepitant is reviewed focusing on the role of aprepitant in the management of CINV in relationship to other commonly used antiemetics. The literature was searched regarding aprepitant and its pharmacological characteristics, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions and various clinical studies.

CONCLUSION

Aprepitant has a significant role in the management of CINV, as it allows the majority of patients to complete their chemotherapies without significant morbidity. Its use in a variety of clinical settings in cancer patients needs to be further explored.