Retrospective Evaluation of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Objective: Nausea and vomiting are among the most common and distressing side effects caused by chemotherapy.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the antiemetic protocol used in our center and to explore possible improvements.Methods: In this study, the medical records of patients aged between 1 month and 18 years who were diagnosed with solid tumors and lymphomas and who received chemotherapy and radiotherapy in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed.Results: Of the patients included in the study, 60.9% (n=53) were male, and 39.1% (n=34) were female.Among the 151 chemotherapy cycles administered, acute and delayed vomiting were observed in 26.5% and 18% of cycles, respectively.Refractory and anticipatory vomiting occurred in 6% and 18% of cases, respectively.Refractory vomiting was detected in adolescents, in the germ cell tumor group, and during the initial chemotherapy cycles.The lowest incidence of acute vomiting (0%-20%) occurred in patients who engaged in play activities or watched television or videos during treatment.In 70.2% of the chemotherapy cycles, granisetron was administered alone, while aprepitant was added in 23.2%. Conclusion:Chemotherapy-associated vomiting is a frequent and undesirable side effect in pediatric patients.The relationship between nausea and vomiting and factors such as parental smoking, educational background, and activities during chemotherapy administration warrants further investigation.