Moradian, S., Walshe, C., Shahidsales, S., Ghavam Nasiri, M.R., Pilling, M., & Molassiotis, A. (2014). Nevasic audio program for the prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting: A feasibility study using a randomized controlled trial design. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 19, 282–291.
Nevasic, a medical device, is an audio program that generates an antiemetic reaction. Nevasic is thought to work by emitting specific constructed tones, frequencies, and pulses that disrupt the normal auditory signal chain at the vestibular level, affecting the experience of nausea and vomiting.
This study was a pilot, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial with three parallel arms (intervention, attention, and control) in Mashhad, Iran. After randomization, all participants were given the treatment progression questionnaire. Those in the intervention and attention groups also were issued a CD player and headphones with the Nevasic program or music files. Patients could keep the equipment at the end of the study. The procedure for the intervention and attention groups were identical except that those in the Nevasic intervention group listened to the active intervention of Nevasic, and those in the attention group listened to preselected music. Participants were given clear instructions on the use of the Nevasic program or the music, which included: only listening through the headphones provided; listening to Nevasic or the music immediately once they started feeling nauseous or vomiting during or after chemotherapy administration; listening to the Nevasic or music program all the way through the 27 minutes or till they felt symptoms diminished; and not skipping any part of the Nevasic or music program. They were instructed to repeat these stages if their symptoms returned. The duration of the intervention or attention was six days. Participants in all three groups were told to take their antiemetics after chemotherapy as prescribed. The participants were instructed in the completion of the measures and follow-up questionnaire. They were asked to return the measures and questionnaires using prepaid, selfaddressed envelopes.
Pilot, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial with three parallel arms (intervention, attention, and control)
Based on these study results, Nevasic is not an effective treatment in the management of CINV. The researchers stated that the findings from the trial highlight the need for several modifications to the design and the mode of intervention delivery.
Based on these study results, Nevasic is not an effective nonpharmacologic treatment technique to control or manage CINV.