Overview
Dramatic progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy‐induced emesis, especially since the introduction of the 5‐HT3 receptor antagonists in the early 1990s and the 2003 introduction of the NK‐1 receptor antagonist, aprepitant. Recent surveys indicate the need for heightened awareness of the frequency and severity of acute and, especially, delayed nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Fortunately, new agents have been added to the antiemetic arsenal to further enhance the efficacy of antiemetic prophylaxis. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture and mind–body interventions appear promising in controlling nausea, and are being explored further. Appropriate implementation of guidelines for prophylaxis based on the specific chemotherapy agents used will ensure that fewer patients experience these most distressing of side effects.