MANAGING CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED NAUSEA AND VOMITING - A PARADIGM FOR SUPPORTIVE CARE

Background. Clinical research on the problem of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (N & V) originated out of the necessity of keeping patients engaged with aggressive treatment protocols. The degree of sophistication available today is reviewed. Methods. A supportive care model is proposed for describing the developments as a six-step paradigm, ending with the suggestion that institutionalization is a final critical step in applying the results of research. Conclusions. The proposed model for control of N & V is suggested as a paradigm for the diffusion of a new technology designed to alleviate some aspect associated with suffering from the effects of cancer or its treatments.