An Observational Study on the Use of Antiemetic Drugs in Clinical Practice for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Management Among Iraqi Cancer Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)represents a significant concern in treatment of cancer patients. CINV possesses negative impact both on patients and oncologist. Several approaches are considered in prevention and management of CINV. This study evaluates the rationale of use and efficacy of anti-emetics among cancer patients in in two Iraqi hospitals.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among Iraqi cancer patients in two hospitals in Baghdad (Baghdad teaching hospital and Oncology teaching hospital). This study included all patient receiving chemotherapy after confirmed diagnosis with any type of cancer. The emetogenicity level of different chemotherapeutic agents was classified based on ASCO 2011 classification.
Results: There were 109 patients, 65 females (59.6%) and 44 males (40.4%) recruited in the current study. Oral Ondansetron 8 mg was used with the highest percent (31%) followed by I.V. Ondansetron 8 mg I.V plus dexamethasone 20 mg I.V (21%). The cycle in which CINV was mainly the first cycle (80.3% of patients) followed by second cycle (9.2%) and third cycle (5.3%) of chemotherapy. CINV increased in level in female patients in about 43.1% and in male patients in only 11.4%
Conclusion: The practice of using antiemetic agents in Baghdad teaching hospital and oncology hospital didn’t comply with ASCO guideline recommendation that was based on emetogenicity classification. In addition, high incidence of vomiting in cycle number one emphasized on the need for better approach in management of CINV.