Introduction

Key Points

• With appropriate medications, nausea and vomiting can be prevented in nearly all patients undergoing cancer treatment.
  
  
• The risk of nausea and vomiting depends on the type and location of radiation therapy and specific chemotherapy you receive.

To help doctors give their patients the best possible care, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) asks its medical experts to develop recommendations for specific areas of cancer care. In 1999, ASCO published clinical practice guidelines for the use of antiemetics (drugs that prevent nausea and vomiting). These guidelines were updated in 2006 to reflect the addition of new medications. The recommendations in this patient guide were created by a panel of experts and describe the best care for preventing nausea and vomiting. This guide for patients is based on these updated ASCO recommendations.

As you read this guide, please keep in mind that every person treated for cancer is different. These recommendations are not meant to replace your judgment or that of your doctor. The final decisions you and your doctors make will be based on your individual circumstances.

Last Updated: June 30, 2009

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