Retrospective Analysis of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) in Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated with Antiemetics

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the effect of the antiemetics for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting associated with FOLFOX chemotherapy. Methods: Fifty patients were given FOLFOX as chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, and granisetron were used as first-line antiemetics. The severity of CINV was evaluated using (1) questioning, (2) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0, and (3) Multinational Association of supportive care in cancer method for patient self‑assessment. When a patient indicated that another antiemetic was desired, granisetron was switched to palonosetron. Results: Forty two patients did not express a desire for another antiemetic, but eight patients expressed a desire for it. They were evaluated as Grade 2 according to the CTCAE 4.0. The MAT method identified a score of 6 points or more. Granisetron was switched to palonosetron as a second-line antiemetic. The severity of CINV decreased to Grade 1 or less, while the MAT method score decreased to 0 points in 3 patients and ≤ 4 points in 5 patients. None of the 8 patients expressed a desire for another antiemetic. Conclusion: Granisetron/palonosetron can be thought to have improved the patients’ QOL, relieved their anxiety, and contributed to continuation of the chemotherapy.