Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy treatment. Poorly managed CINV is associated with a high economic burden and decreased quality of life. While the mechanism underlying CINV is complex and remains to be fully elucidated, there have been numerous neurotransmitters implicated in the mediation of CINV. Various guidelines have been developed to assist practitioners with the prevention and treatment of CINV. The treatment recommendations are tailored to the emetogenicity of the chemotherapeutic agent(s), with prevention of CINV being critical to successful management of CINV. The therapeutic drug classes utilized in the prevention and/or treatment of CINV include 5-HT3 antagonists, NK-1 antagonists, corticosteroids, and dopamine antagonists. The atypical antipsychotic olanzapine has demonstrated effectiveness in the management of CINV, antagonizing multiple receptors in CINV. Oral cannabinoids such as dronabinol have been used in patients who fail to respond to conventional CINV treatment. More studies are needed to determine the effects and role of cannabis in CINV.