This document discusses the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). It defines different types of CINV including acute, delayed, and anticipatory. The pathophysiology involves serotonin, substance P, and dopamine pathways in the brain and gut. Risk factors include the emetogenic potential of chemotherapy agents as well as patient factors. Common antiemetic agents discussed are 5-HT3 receptor antagonists such as palonosetron, dolasetron, ondansetron, and granisetron which are effective for acute CINV. Guidelines for their use and dosing are provided.
1. Management of CINVManagement of CINV
By
Salah Mabruok Khalaf
South Egypt Cancer Institute
2017
Course of Medical Oncology
Medical Oncology department
2. AgendaAgenda
• DefinitionsDefinitions
• Types of CINVTypes of CINV
• PathophysiologyPathophysiology
• Risk Factors of CINVRisk Factors of CINV
• Therapeutic AgentsTherapeutic Agents
• NCCN GuidelinesNCCN Guidelines
• SECI Guidelines in ArabicSECI Guidelines in Arabic
• Patient Information in ArabicPatient Information in Arabic
3. Definitions
• Nausea:
• The unpleasant sensation of the imminent need to vomit, usually referred to the
throat or epigastrium; a sensation that may or may not ultimately lead to the act of
vomiting.
• Vomiting:
• Forceful oral expulsion of gastric contents associated with contraction of the
abdominal and chest wall musculature.
• Regurgitation:
• The act by which food or gastric juice is brought back into the mouth without the
abdominal and diaphragmatic muscular activity that characterizes vomiting.
4. Types of CINV
• Anticipatory
• Learned or conditioned response from poorly controlled nausea and
vomiting associated with previous chemotherapy.
• Emetic episodes are triggered by taste, odor, sight, thoughts, or anxiety
secondary to a poor response to antiemetic agents.
• Acute (post-treatment)
• Occurs within first 24 hours after administration of cancer chemotherapy
• Mainly caused by serotonin release from enterochromaffin cells
• Delayed
• CINV that begins after first 24 hours to several days after initiation of
chemotherapy.
• Multifactorial but mainly caused by substance P, disruption of the blood–
brain barrier, disruption of the gastrointestinal motility, or adrenal
hormones
• Breakthrough
• CINV that occurs despite prophylaxis and requires rescue
• Refractory
• Occurs during subsequent treatment cycles when prophylaxis and/or
rescue has failed in previous cycles.
5. Pathophysiology of CINVPathophysiology of CINV
Chemotherapy administrationChemotherapy administration
Chemotherapy leads to free radicals generation
Enterochromaffin cell of small intestine
Stimulation
Release of Serotonin
Exocytosis
5-HT3 receptors of on vagal afferent terminals
in the wall of the bowel
Stimulation
Afferent vagal impulses
Dorsal vagal complex
(nucleus tractus solitaries and CTZ in area postrema)
Substance P for neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor
Serotonin for 5-HT3 receptor
Dopamine for dopamine D2 receptor
Neurotransmitor Receptor interaction
Vomiting center
efferent impulses
Efferent vagal impulses
Pharyngeal, GI, abdominal
muscular contractions
Vomiting
7. •Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine)
• 90% of the body’s stores are in the enterochromaffin cells
• It plays the most important role in the process of acute CINV
• It acts through binding to 5-HT3 receptor
• 5-HT3 receptors in the brain are mainly located in the area
postrema, nucleus tractus solitarius, and dorsal vagal motor
nucleus.
•Substance P
• It involved in the transmission of unpleasant stimuli, such as
pain, mood disorders, anxiety, stress, and nausea and vomiting.
• It acts through binding to NK-1 receptor.
• It plays the most important role in the process of delayed CINV
•Dopamine
• Dopamine interacts with dopamine D1 and D2 receptors.
• The dopamine D2 receptor, located in the chemoreceptor
trigger zone.
Pathophysiology of CINVPathophysiology of CINV
9. Risk factors
•Chemotherapy related factors
• The emetogenic potential of a chemotherapy agent is the most
important risk factor for determining the degree of CINV, and is
classified into four risk groups
HIGHHIGH Risk in nearly all patients (> 90%)Risk in nearly all patients (> 90%)
MODERATEMODERATE Risk in 30% to 90% of patientsRisk in 30% to 90% of patients
LOWLOW Risk in 10% to 30% of patientsRisk in 10% to 30% of patients
MINIMALMINIMAL Fewer than 10% at riskFewer than 10% at risk
13. Chemotherapy related factors
• No agents of the following
• Platinum
• Nitrosureas
• Triazenes
• Topoisomerase inhibitors
• Anthracycline
• Taxane
• NonTaxanes mitotic inhibitors
• Epothilones
• Nitrogen mustards
• Purine analogues
• Cladribine
• Fludarabine
• Nelarabine
• Pyrimidine analogues
• Cytarabine < 100 mg/m2
• Decitabine
• Folate anatagonist
• Methotrexate ≤ 50mg/m2
• Enzymes
• Asparaginase
• Pegaspargase
• Vinca alkaloids
• Vinblastine
• Vincristine
• Vinorelbine
• Vindesine
• Most of IV target therapy agents
Minimal emetic risk ( < 10% frequency of emesis) for IV agents
• Anthracyclines
• valrubicin
• Anthracyclines analogue
• Mitoxantrone
14. Patient-related risk factors
• Sex: Females are more predisposed to CINV than males
• Age: younger patients (<50 years) experience more severe CINV than older
patients (>65 years).
• Past history of CINV: The more control of emesis to previous CTR, the more
control to subsequent CTR.
• History of motion sickness: Patients susceptible to motion sickness report a
greater frequency, severity, and duration of CINV following treatment.
• Other risk factors
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Chemotherapy as outpatient
• Impaired quality of life
• Vomiting during pregnancy
16. 5-HT5-HT33 antagonitsantagonits
• Primary mechanism of action appears to be peripheral.
• Block release of serotonin release from enterochromaffin cells in GI
tract
• Effective in acute vomiting; very limited efficacy for delayed
events
• Best given as a start dose pre-chemotherapy
• Oral and IV equally effective
• Members
• Palonosteron
• Dolasteron
• Ondanosteron
• Granisteron
1. Berger AM, Clark-Snow RA. In: DeVita VT Jr et al. 7th ed. Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005:2515–2523.
2. Hesketh PJ et al. Eur J Cancer. 2003;39(8):1074–1080.
17. Palonosteron:Palonosteron: Aloxi ®
• MOA
• Selective 5-HT3 receptor
antagonist
• Metabolism
• Hepatic
• Elimination
• Renal
• Dosage
• 0.25 mg administered as a
single dose approximately 30
minutes before the start of
chemotherapy.
• Dose adjustment
• Geriatrics: no adjustment
• Renal Impairment: no
adjustment
• Hepatic Impairment: no
adjustment
• Administration
• IV over 30 seconds
• Do not mix with other drugs
• Venous flushing before and
after administration
• Contraindication
• Hypersensitivity
• Pregnancy. Teratogenic Effects:
Category B
• SE
• Headache (9%)
• Constipation (5%)
• Diarrhea (1%)
• Dizziness (1%)
18. Dolasetron:Dolasetron: ANZEMET ®
• MOA
• Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
• Metabolism
• Hepatic
• Elimination
• Renal mainly
• Dosage
• 100 mg PO 1 hour before the start
of chemotherapy.
• Dose adjustment
• Geriatrics: no adjustment
• Renal Impairment: no adjustment
• Hepatic Impairment: no adjustment
• Contraindication
• Hypersensitivity
• Pregnancy. Teratogenic Effects:
Category B
• SE
• Headache (17%)
• Bradycardia (5%), tachycardia (3%)
• Diarrhea (2%)
• Dizziness (1%)
• Precaution:
• Patients with any risk factors for QT
prolongation
• Hypokalemia
• Hypomagnesaemia
• Congenital QT syndrome
• Taking anti-arrhythmic causing QT
prolongation
• High cumulative anthracycline dose
• Elderly
19. Ondanosteron oral tablet: ZofranOndanosteron oral tablet: Zofran
• MOA
• Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
• Metabolism
• Hepatic
• Elimination
• Hepatic
• Dosage
• 24 mg/d (3 tab 8 mg)
• Dose adjustment
• Geriatrics: no adjustment
• Renal Impairment: no adjustment
• Hepatic Impairment: reduced to 8
mg/day in Child-Pugh class C hepatic
impairment
• Administration
• Three 8 mg tablets administered orally
1 hour before the start of single-day
highly emetogenic chemotherapy
• Take without regard to meals.
• Contraindication
• Hypersensitivity
• Concomitant use of apomorphine
• Pregnancy: Category B
• SE
• Headache (24%)
• Constipation (9%)
• Diarrhea (6%)
• Dizziness (5%)
• Strengths
• Ondansetron tablets USP, 8 mg
20. Ondanosteron Injection: ZofranOndanosteron Injection: Zofran
• MOA
• Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
• Metabolism
• Hepatic
• Elimination
• Renal
• Dosage
• 0.15 mg/kg per dose for 3 doses
(maximum of 16 mg per dose).
• Dose adjustment
• Geriatrics: no adjustment
• Renal Impairment: no adjustment
• Hepatic Impairment: no adjustment
• Strengths
• Ampoule 4 mg and 8 mg
• Administration
• Diluted in 10-50 ml NaCl 0.9% or D5W
• First dose given 30 minutes before
chemotherapy then every 8 hours if
required
• Do not mix with other drugs
• Contraindication
• Hypersensitivity
• Concomitant use of apomorphine
• SE and precautions
• Headache (17%)
• Dizziness (8%)
• Injection site reaction (4%)
• QT prolongation
• Serotonin Syndrome
• It may mask a progressive ileus and gastric
distention so, it should not be used
instead of nasogastric suction.
• Pregnancy: Can be used
21. Serotonin Syndrome
• Etiology
• Overdose of Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
• Ordinary dose of Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist but with concomitant use of
serotonergic drugs
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• Lithium
• Fentanyl
• Tramadol
• Intravenous methylene blue
• Clinical manifestations
• Mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma)
• Autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis,
flushing, hyperthermia)
• Neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia,
incoordination, seizures)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms(e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Management
• Discontinue Granisetron and initiate supportive treatment.
22. Granisteron oral tabletGranisteron oral tablet
• MOA
• Selective 5-HT3 receptor
antagonist
• Metabolism
• Hepatic
• Elimination
• Hepatic
• Dosage
• Dose adjustment
• Geriatrics: no adjustment
• Renal Impairment: no
adjustment
• Hepatic Impairment: no
adjustment
• Administration
• Take without regard to meals
• Contraindication
• Hypersensitivity
• Pregnancy. Teratogenic Effects:
Category B
• SE
• Serotonin Syndrome
• Headache (9%)
• Constipation (5%)
• Diarrhea (1%)
• Dizziness (1%)
23. Granisteron oral tablet:Granisteron oral tablet: EMEX ®
• MOA
• Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
• Metabolism
• Hepatic
• Elimination
• Hepatic
• Dosage: 2mg/d
• 2 mg once daily
• 2 tablets 1mg 1 hour before
chemotherapy once
• 1 mg twice daily
• One tablet 1mg 1 hour before
chemotherapy
• One tablet 1mg 12 hours after the first
tablet
• Dose adjustment
• Geriatrics: no adjustment
• Renal Impairment: no adjustment
• Hepatic Impairment: no adjustment
• Administration
• Take orally without regard to
meals
• Contraindication
• Hypersensitivity
• Pregnancy. Teratogenic Effects:
Category B
• SE
• Serotonin Syndrome
• QT prolongation
• Headache (21%)
• Constipation (18%)
• Dizziness (14%)
• Diarrhea (8%)
24. Granisteron Injection:Granisteron Injection: EMEX ®
• MOA
• Selective 5-HT3 receptor
antagonist
• Metabolism
• Hepatic
• Elimination
• Renal
• Dosage
• 10 mcg/kg
• Dose adjustment
• Geriatrics: no adjustment
• Renal Impairment: no
adjustment
• Hepatic Impairment: no
adjustment
• Administration
• Direct IV over 30 seconds or diluted
in 50 ml saline over 5 min given 30
minutes before chemotherapy
• Do not mix with other drugs
• Contraindication
• Hypersensitivity
• Pregnancy. Teratogenic Effects:
Category B
• SE
• Headache (9%)
• Constipation (5%), Diarrhea (1%)
• Dizziness (1%)
• QT prolongation
• Serotonin Syndrome
• Strengths
• Single-Use Vial: 1 mg/mL
• Multiple-Dose Vials: 4 mg/4 mL
25. NKNK11 receptor antagonistreceptor antagonist
• Primary mechanism of action appears to be central
• NK1 receptor blockade effective for delayed vomiting:
- Less effective for acute vomiting: needs a 5HT3
antagonist
- Less effective for nausea: needs dexamethasone
• Members
– NNeupitant
– FFosaprepitant
– AAprepitant
– RRolapitant
26. Neupitant:Neupitant:
(Available in combination with palonosetron in one(Available in combination with palonosetron in one
capsule)capsule) Akynzeo®Akynzeo®
• MOA
• Selective human substance
P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors
antagonist
• Metabolism and Elimination
• Hepatic
• Dosage:
• One capsule 1 hour before
chemotherapy once
• Taken with dexamethasone
• Dose adjustment
• Geriatrics: no adjustment but with
caution.
• Renal Impairment:
• Avoid in severe RI or end-stage renal
disease
• Hepatic Impairment:
• no adjustment in child-Pugh class A & B
• Avoid in class C
• Administration
• Take orally without regard to meals
• Contraindication
• Pregnancy Category C
• SE
• Headache (9%)
• Dyspepsia (4%)
• Fatigue (4%)
• Constipation (3%)
• Erythema (3%)
• Strengths
• AkynzeoAkynzeo (300 mg netupitant/0.5 mg
palonosetron) capsule
27. Fosaprepitant:Fosaprepitant: IVEMEND®IVEMEND®
• MOA
• Selective human substance
P/NK1 receptors antagonist
• Metabolism
• Hepatic
• Elimination
• Hepatic and renal
• Dosage:
• One amp 150mg 30 min before
chemotherapy once
• Dose adjustment
• Geriatrics: no adjustment
• Renal Impairment: no
adjustment
• Hepatic Impairment: no
adjustment
• Administration
• Reconstitute vial with 5 mL of NS with slowly
directing diluent down side of vial then add to
145 mL NS, gentlly invert bag 2 to 3 times to mix.
• Infuse over 20 to 30 minutes
• Indication
• Prevention of CINV
• Highly & moderate • Acute& delayed
• Not studies for existed CINV
• Contraindication
• Hypersensitivity
• SE
• Headache (9%) Dyspepsia (2%)
• Fatigue (15%) Constipation (2%)
• Peripheral neuropathy (3%)
• Neutropenia (8%), anemia (3%), leukopenia (2%)
• Strengths
• IVEmend:IVEmend: 115 mg and 150mg solution
28. AprepitantAprepitant: EMEND®
• MOA
• Selective human substance
P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors
antagonist
• Metabolism and Elimination
• Hepatic
• Dosage:
• One capsule 1 hour before
chemotherapy
• If chemotherapy D2, D3, give one
capsules 1 hour before
• If no, give one capsule at morning
• Dose adjustment
• Geriatrics: no adjustment
• Renal Impairment: no adjustment
• Hepatic Impairment: no adjustment
• Administration
• One capsule 1 hour before
chemotherapy
• Take orally without regard to meals
• Indication
• Prevention of CINV
• highly & moderate
• Acute & delayed
• Not studies for existed CINV
• Not studies for Chronic continuous use
• Contraindication
• Pregnancy Category C
• SE
• Dyspepsia (7%) • Fatigue (13%)
• Diarrhea (9%) • Leucopenia (3%)
• Precaution
• Reduced Efficacy of Hormonal
Contraceptives
• Avoid concomitant use with moderate to
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors
• Strengths
• Emend Capsules, 3-day pack (125-mg/80-
mg/80-mg)
29. DexamethasoneDexamethasone
•M.O.A not fully understood.
•Very effective for nausea, acute and delayed vomiting
•Acute: pre-dose before chemotherapy
•Delayed: 2-4 days of chemotherapy
•Side effects: heartburn/indigestion, agitation, hiccups,
abnormal BM’s (all manageable in most instances)
HIGH 20 mg
(12 mg with aprepitant)
8 mg bd 3-4 d
(8 mg od 3-4d with aprepitant)
MODERATE 8 mg
(12 mg with aprepitant)
8 mg od 2-3 d
LOW 4-8 mg N/A
MINIMAL N/A N/A
30. Antianxiety and anti-depressant agentAntianxiety and anti-depressant agent
• It is effective treatment of anticipatoryanticipatory Nausea and
vomiting
– Caution if elderly and frail- increased risk of falls. If necessary-
lowest dose.
– Useful for anxiety issues, smells and taste of food problematic.
• Members
– Antianxiety:Antianxiety: Lorazepam (Ativan) is 0.5-1mg bd. (oral/SL/IV) for
anticipatory Nausea and vomiting
– anti-depressant:anti-depressant: Olanzapine (Zyprexa) 10 mg PO once D1, 2 ,3 , 4
for prevention of acute and delayed CINV
34. High Emetic Risk ChemotherapyHigh Emetic Risk Chemotherapy
• Day 1: choose one out of 6 options (NCCN V 2.2017):
Option NK1 RA 5-HT3 RA (choose one) Dexamethason
e
Others
A Aprepitant 125 mg PO
once
Palonosteron or Granisteron
or Ondanosteron or
Dolasteron
12mg PO/IV
Once
B Fosaprepitant 150 mg IV
once
As option A As option A
C Rolapitant 180 mg PO
once
As option A As option A
D Neupitant 300 mg PO
once
Palonosteron 0.5 mg PO
once
As option A
E ---- Palonosteron 0.25 mg PO
once
20 mg IV Once Olanzapine 10 mg
PO once
F As option A or
Option B
As option A As option A Olanzapine 10 mg
PO once
35. High Emetic Risk ChemotherapyHigh Emetic Risk Chemotherapy
• Day 2, 3, 4: choose one out of 6 options (NCCN V 2.2017):
Option NK1 RA 5-HT3 RA Dexamethasone Others
A Aprepitant 80 mg PO
D2, 3
8 mg PO/IV
Once D2 ,3 , 4
B 8 mg PO/IV
Once D2
Twice D3, 4
C 8 mg PO/IV
Twice D2 ,3 , 4
D 8 mg PO
Once D2 ,3 , 4
E Olanzapine 10 mg
PO once D2 ,3 , 4
F Aprepitant 80 mg PO
D2, 3
8 mg PO/IV
Once D2 ,3 , 4
Olanzapine 10 mg
PO once D2 ,3 , 4
36. Moderate Emetic Risk ChemotherapyModerate Emetic Risk Chemotherapy
• Day 1: choose one out of 6 options (NCCN V 2.2017):
Option NK1 RA 5-HT3 RA (choose one) Dexamethasone Others
A Aprepitant 125 mg PO
once
Palonosteron or Granisteron
or Ondanosteron or
Dolasteron
12mg PO/IV Once
B Fosaprepitant 150 mg IV
once
As option A As option A
C Rolapitant 180 mg PO
once
As option A As option A
D Neupitant 300 mg PO
once
Palonosteron 0.5 mg PO
once
As option A
E ------ As option A but Palonosteron
is preferred
As option A
F ------ Palonosteron 0.5 mg PO
once
20 mg IV Once Olanzapine
10mg
PO once
37. Moderate Emetic Risk ChemotherapyModerate Emetic Risk Chemotherapy
• Day 2, 3, 4: choose one out of 6 options (NCCN V 2.2017):
Option NK1 RA 5-HT3 RA Dexamethasone Others
A Aprepitant 80 mg PO
D2, 3
(±) 8 mg PO/IV
Once D2 ,3
B As option A
C As option A
D As option A
E Granisteron or
Ondanosteron
or Dolasteron
(+) 8 mg PO/IV
Once D2 ,3
F Olanzapine 10 mg
PO once D2 ,3 , 4
38. Breakthrough symptoms- which anti-emetic?Breakthrough symptoms- which anti-emetic?
• Diagnosis of the cause of nausea and vomiting is crucial for deciding on which
anti-emetic to use.
• Key questions- when did symptoms start? when was last dose of chemo/XRT?
When did steroid course stop? Nausea related to smells/taste of food? How
many vomiting episodes? VAS to assess nausea? Appetite/food and fluid
intake?
• The only evidence available to rescue patients who have CINV is with the use of
a D2 antagonist e.g. metoclopramide or a 5HT3 antagonist such as
oondansetron.
• Domperidone is supplied at a dose of 20mg qds with the majority of
chemotherapy regimens..
39. SECI Guidelines based onSECI Guidelines based on
NCCN guidelines andNCCN guidelines and
availability of agentsavailability of agents
40. Brand names in SECIBrand names in SECI
• 5HT3 antagonists
• Palonosteron: Aloxi ®
• Dolasteron: not available
• Ondanosteron: Zofran ®
• Granisteron: EMEX ®
• Substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors antagonists
• Neupitant: not available
• Fosaprepitant: not available
• Aprepitant: EMEND
• Rolapitant: not available
Two sites in the brainstem—the vomiting center and the chemoreceptor trigger zone—are important to emesis control. The vomiting center consists of an intertwined neural network in the nucleus tractus solitarius that controls patterns of motor activity. The chemoreceptor trigger zone, located in the area postrema, is the entry point for emetogenic stimuli.
Enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract respond to chemotherapy by releasing serotonin. Serotonin binds to 5-HT3 receptors, which are located not only in the gastrointestinal tract, but also on vagal afferent neurons and in the nucleus tractus solitarius and the area postrema.
The activated 5-HT3 receptors signal the chemoreceptor trigger zone via pathways thatmay include the afferent fibers of the vagus nerve. Serotonin also may bind with 5-HT3 receptors in the brainstem.
Other neurotransmitters, including dopamine and substance P, also influence the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Afferent impulses from the chemoreceptor trigger zone stimulate the vomiting center, which initiates emesis.1
1. Grunberg SM, Hesketh PJ. Control of chemotherapy-induced emesis. N Engl J Med. 1993;329:1790-1796.