What defines anticipatory CINV?

Anticipatory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is characterized by being triggered by memories or anxiety related to past chemotherapy experiences. This type of CINV occurs before chemotherapy is administered and is often associated with a patient's previous negative experiences with treatment.

Patients who have previously experienced severe nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy may develop a conditioned response. This means that the mere thought or memory of chemotherapy can trigger feelings of nausea and a sense of anxiety, leading to anticipatory CINV. This can be particularly challenging because it occurs even before the actual infusion or exposure to the chemotherapeutic agents, making it distinct from other types of CINV that occur after treatment has started.

In contrast, acute onset of nausea pertains to symptoms that arise shortly after chemotherapy is administered, rather than being a proactive reaction based on memories. Being caused by uncontrolled pain is unrelated to the triggers of anticipatory CINV, as anticipatory CINV specifically ties to psychological factors rather than pain. Additionally, CINV occurring during subsequent cycles refers to the recurrence of nausea and vomiting in later treatment rounds, which is indicative of other forms of CINV rather than anticipatory responses. This underscores the unique nature of anticipatory CINV as it directly involves a psychological and emotional response rather than a