ANTICIPATORY VOMITING IN WOMEN RECEIVING CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, METHOTREXATE, AND 5-FU (CMF) ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY FOR BREAST-CARCINOMA

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 66  (8) , 1601-1604
Abstract
To determine the incidence of anticipatory vomiting (AV) and postchemotherapy nausea and vomiting (PCNV) in women receiving cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-FU [5-fluorouracil] (CMF) adjuvant chemotherapy for breast carcinoma, 52 women randomized to 2 regimens (standard-dose and low-dose) of CMF were studied. Charts were reviewed for the cycle of onset of AV and PCNV, the severity of PCNV and relationships of these syndromes to CMF dose and protocol compliance. Among the 52 patients, AV occurred in 17 (33%); PCNV was experienced by 46 (88%). Severe PCNV (defined as uncontrolled nausea and/or vomiting interfering with performance of daily activities) occurred in 22 of 52 (42%) women. Eighteen of 23 (78%) women receiving standard-dose CMF experienced severe PCNV; 13 of these had AV. Patients in whom severe PCNV began before cycle 4 were more likely to develop AV than women in whom PCNV began later (P < 0.01). Ten of 52 (19%) patients discontinued CMF adjuvant chemotherapy because of nausea and vomiting; 7 of the 10 (70%) were receiving standard-dose CMF and 7 had experienced AV. Both AV and PCNV apparently are significant toxic effects that not only affect the quality of life of a woman receiving CMF chemotherapy for breast cancer but also limit the ability of the clinician to provide maximum therapy to women at high risk of recurrence of breast carcinoma.

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