Shelke, A.R., Roscoe, J.A., Morrow, G.R., Colman, L.K., Banerjee, T.K., & Kirshner, J.J. (2008). Effect of a nausea expectancy manipulation on chemotherapy-induced nausea: A University of Rochester Cancer Center Community Clinical Oncology Program study. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 35, 381–387.
To evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions in reducing patients’ nausea expectations by dispelling misconceptions about chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and building confidence in antiemetic regimens
Patients were randomized one of two arms. Both arms received the same educational materials except that arm 2 patients received an additional handout emphasizing the benefits and effectiveness of ondansetron in the control of nausea and vomiting. Both arms received a standardized antiemetic regimen including ondansetron and dexamethasone on day one. Nausea and vomiting were measured in a patient-reported diary from day one to day four following chemotherapy treatment.
The study was conducted at 18 medical oncology practices (all Community Clinical Oncology Programs [CCOPs]) across the United States.
All patients were in active treatment.
This was a randomized, multicenter, clinical trial.
Although the expectancy manipulation reduced patients’ reported expectations for the development of nausea, the occurrence of nausea was not reduced. Changing nausea expectancies did not affect the occurrence of nausea.
Educational interventions to increase awareness of nausea prior to first chemotherapy administration may reduce patients’ expectations for subsequent CINV. However, these interventions may not reduce actual nausea severity or occurrence.