Perceptual gap between oncologists/oncology nurses and patients in the management and impact of chemotherapy/radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: French results of the GAP survey

Introduction > Despite progress in the treatment of chemotherapy/radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV/RINV), their management remains insufficient. Methods > In order to evaluate the incidence and impact of CINV/RINV on the quality of life perceived by patients and estimated by clinicians, a declarative, cross-sectional survey was conducted in France through an online questionnaire. Results > This survey included 187 participants: 75 oncologists, 35 oncology nurses and 77 patients. Clinicians over-estimated the incidence of CINV/RINV, but underestimated their impact on the quality of life of patients. The sub-optimal prescription of anti-emetic treatments was more prominent when the therapy administered had low or medium emetogenic potential. Only 30% of patients rated their nausea and vomiting as controlled from the start. A major proportion of patients (68%) declared poor compliance with their anti-emetic regimen. The acceptance of CINV/RINV as normal side effects of the chemotherapy/radiotherapy (51%) led the patients not to report them, thus limiting their active management. The number of drugs to absorb, and the fear that the action of swallowing the pill would induce nausea or vomiting were also quoted by the patients as compliance-limiting factors. Conclusion > The perceptual gap between clinicians and patients regarding the incidence and impact of CINV/RINV contributes to a sub-optimal level of anti-emetic cover and control. The antiemetic regimen needs to be regularly assessed and adapted to the patient in order to improve CINV/RINV management.