[Medical treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting].

Patients consider nausea and vomiting among the worst side effects of chemotherapy. This paper reviews the development of antiemetics during the past 12 years, focusing on the neurokinin (NK)1-receptor antagonist, aprepitant, and the new 5-HT3-receptor antagonist palonosetron. Evidence-based recommendations for prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are given. Antiemetics are effective in prevention of vomiting, but less effective against nausea. Therefore studies with potential new antiemetics, such as olanzapine and ghrelin are awaited with suspense.