Effectiveness Not Established

Aromatherapy

for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting—Adult

Aromatherapy is the use of fragrant essential oils distilled from plants to alter mood or improve health. Aromatherapy was studied in patients with cancer in the management of lymphedema and depression.

Research Evidence Summaries

Lua, P.L., Salihah, N., & Mazlan, N. (2015). Effects of inhaled ginger aromatherapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and health-related quality of life in women with breast cancer. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 23, 396–404. 

Study Purpose

To assess the effectiveness of inhaled ginger essential oil in reducing the incidence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with breast cancer as a complementary intervention to standard antiemetic care, and to assess the patients’ quality of life (QOL) related to their health following aromatherapy

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

An aromatherapy necklace was worn by the participants for five days, 24 hours/day, after receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy. It was used for patients to inhale at least three times a day. Patients were assigned to two groups: For course 1, Group 1 had a ginger fragrance oil (placebo) in the necklace while Group 2 had ginger essential oil. For course 2, Group 1 had the ginger essential oil while Group 2 used the fragrance oil. Standard antiemetics were also given prior to chemotherapy—IV granisetron and IV dexamethasone in addition to scheduled take-home medications of oral granisetron, oral dexamethasone, and oral metoclopramide. Data were collected at baseline, on days 1–5, and on day 8.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 600   
  • AGE RANGE = 20–79 years
  • MEAN AGE = 47 years
  • FEMALES: 100%
  • CURRENT TREATMENT: Chemotherapy
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Breast cancer
  • OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Received an anthracycline and cyclophosphamide

Setting

  • SITE: Multi-site   
  • SETTING TYPE: Outpatient    
  • LOCATION: Malaysia

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

  • Single-blind, randomized, controlled, cross-over study

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) in a diary card
  • European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30)

Results

The use of ginger essential oil inhalation significantly lowered the VAS nausea score during the acute phase (p = 0.04) compared to the placebo, but its effect was not sustained over time. No appreciable effect on vomiting was revealed. Inhaled ginger essential oil positively affected the global health status from baseline.

Conclusions

Inhaled ginger essential oil did not demonstrate significant reductions in CINV and may not be effective as complementary therapy for CINV overall. It may be a useful adjunct for nausea symptoms.

Limitations

  • Baseline sample/group differences of import

 

Nursing Implications

No evidence suggested that the use of inhaled ginger essential oil is effective in improving CINV control, but it may be helpful in improving QOL during treatment. Further research is warranted as nausea control continues to be a challenge.

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