There are three main types of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. These are based mainly on when the nausea and vomiting starts.
Anticipatory nausea and vomiting occurs before chemotherapy is even administered. It occurs before a new cycle of chemotherapy when prior cycles of chemotherapy have been associated with nausea and vomiting. Anticipatory nausea and vomiting occurs in response to a conditioned reflex – the sight, smell and sounds of the treatment room bring about nausea and vomiting. The chances of developing anticipatory nausea and vomiting are higher when multiple prior cycles have been associated with uncontrolled nausea and vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting that occurs within 24 hours of administration of chemotherapy is termed acute nausea and vomiting. The chances of developing acute nausea and vomiting depend on the drugs that are being used in chemotherapy regimens.
Nausea and vomiting that occurs more than 24 hours after chemotherapy administration is considered delayed, or late, nausea and vomiting. Delayed nausea and vomiting is associated more commonly with certain chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and cyclophosphamide. In lymphomas some other drugs like doxorubicin and ifosfamide may also cause delayed nausea and vomiting when given at high doses or on 2 or more consecutive days.
