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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 1/2017

01-01-2017 | Special Article

2016 Updated MASCC/ESMO consensus recommendations: Management of nausea and vomiting in advanced cancer

Authors: Declan Walsh, Mellar Davis, Carla Ripamonti, Eduardo Bruera, Andrew Davies, Alex Molassiotis

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to review the existing literature related to the management of nausea and vomiting (N & V) in advanced cancer and derive clinical evidence-based recommendations for its management.

Methods

Available systematic reviews on antiemetic drug effectiveness were used. One generic systematic review of antiemetics in advanced cancer (to 2009) was updated to February 2016. Agreement on recommendations was reached between panel members, and these were voted in favor unanimously by the larger antiemetic committee membership (n = 37).

Results

The evidence base in this field is minimal with largely poor quality trials or uncontrolled trials and case studies. The level of evidence in most studies is low. The drug of choice for managing N & V in advanced cancer is metoclopramide titrated to effect. Alternative options include haloperidol, levomepromazine, or olanzapine. For bowel obstruction, the recommendation is to use octreotide given alongside an antiemetic (haloperidol) and where octreotide is not an option to use an anticholinergic antisecretory agent. For opioid-induced N & V, no recommendation could be made.

Conclusion

These new guidelines, based on the existing (but poor) evidence, could help clinicians manage more effectively the complex and challenging symptoms of N & V in advanced cancer.
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Metadata
Title
2016 Updated MASCC/ESMO consensus recommendations: Management of nausea and vomiting in advanced cancer
Authors
Declan Walsh
Mellar Davis
Carla Ripamonti
Eduardo Bruera
Andrew Davies
Alex Molassiotis
Publication date
01-01-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3371-3

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