Each year 6-7 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed and 4-5 million patients die exclusively of some type of cancer worldwide1.
It is estimated that of all cases of malignancy diagnosed worldwide, 3-5 million patients suffer from chronic cancer pain1. Paroxysmal cancer pain represents a stage of worsening of the underlying pain, with rapid onset and limited duration (less than 45 minutes) in opioid-treated patients. This pain may be due to the neoplastic disease itself, other co-morbidities or the medication used for its treatment2.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are among the most important, common and dreadful side effects of chemotherapy3-5.
Appropriate management and prevention of CINV is essential for minimizing the impact on the
patient quality of life, improving clinical outcomes and compliance and reducing the burden on
the healthcare system6-7.
Chemotherapy is based on drugs that are capable of killing cancer cells, preventing them from spreading and making metastases.
There are currently at least 80 different types of chemotherapeutic drugs that are also sometimes called anti-cancer drugs. Each
type of chemotherapeutic drug has its own mode of action.
Generally, they kill cancer cells or interfere with their growth and proliferation mechanisms.
Chemotherapeutic drugs can be used either alone or in combination with each other.
The chemotherapy to be used depends on the type of cancer to be treated and the extension it has taken in the body both locally and at the level of metastases.
The above is intended for general public information and cannot replace the advice of a physician or other competent healthcare professional.
1. Davis MWD. American Journal of hospice and palliative medicine 2004; 21 (2): 137- 142.
2. Portenoy RK et al. Pain. 2010 Dec;151(3):617-24. ePub 2010 Aug 25.
3. Cohen L et al. Support Care Cancer2007; 15: 497-503.
4. Shih Y-CT et al. Cancer 2007; 110: 678-685.
5. Naeim A et al. J Clin Oncol 2008; 26: 3903-3910.
6. Aapro M et al. Ann Oncol 2012; 23: 1986-1992. 7. Dunnington H et al. J Cancer Ther 2012; 3: 1159-1163.
