Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in Portugal: incidence versus healthcare provider estimations and effect on quality of life

Author(s): Jose Dinis, Tami Wisniewski, Antonio Moreira, Joao Raposo, Larry Ma & Thomas A Burke

Aim: To compare chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) incidence with healthcare provider (HCP) estimations, and determine predictors of CINV-related quality of life in patients receiving highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.

Methods: A prospective observational study of patients in Portugal was conducted. A logistic regression model was used to predict the individual probability of CINV and compare it with the HCP estimate for each patient using a paired t-test. Quality of life was evaluated using the Functional Living Index of Emesis.

Results: A total of 81 patients and ten HCPs participated at five hospitals. HCPs significantly underestimated acute nausea (difference = 38.3%), delayed nausea (difference = 41.1%) (both p < 0.001) and delayed vomiting (difference = 7.15%; p = 0.03) in cycle 1. CINV was the only statistically significant predictor of impaired quality of life.

Conclusion: Nausea and delayed emesis are underestimated by HCPs.