Anticipatory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is the experience of these symptoms prior to chemotherapy treatment because of the expectation of nausea and vomiting. Benzodiazepines are a class of tranquilizers commonly used to treat a range of conditions, such as anxiety.
Dupuis, L., Roscoe, J., Olver, I., Aapro, M., Molassiotis, A., Dupuis, L.L., & Roscoe, J.A. (2017). 2016 updated MASCC/ESMO consensus recommendations: Anticipatory nausea and vomiting in children and adults receiving chemotherapy. Supportive Care in Cancer, 25, 317–321.
RESOURCE TYPE: Evidence-based guideline
Best approach to control ANV is to control acute and delayed nausea and vomiting (level of evidence: MASCC moderate, high consensus; ESMO: III, grade of recommendation A). Benzodiazepines can reduce the occurrence of ANV (level of evidence: MASCC moderate, moderate consensus; ESMO: II, grade of recommendation A). Behavioral therapies (progressive muscle relaxation training, systematic desensitization, and hypnosis) (level of evidence: MASCC moderate, moderate consensus; ESMO: II, grade of recommendation B).
Limitation of the pediatric studies; the behavioral therapies methods applied in the studies differ in their methods.
The best approach to controlling ANV is by controlling acute and delayed nausea and vomiting. Some pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatment modalities are used for the prevention and treatment of ANV.