What is the definition of refractory CINV?

Refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is characterized by the occurrence of nausea and vomiting that persists despite treatment efforts in subsequent chemotherapy cycles. This means that a patient who has previously experienced nausea and vomiting unresponsive to antiemetic medications during earlier cycles continues to experience these symptoms during later cycles, indicating a challenge in managing their symptoms effectively.

In the context of cancer treatment, understanding refractory CINV is crucial, as it signals the need for potential adjustments in treatment plans or supportive care, especially if the patient’s experience is negatively impacting their quality of life or treatment adherence. The focus is on recognizing persistent symptoms across cycles and addressing them through potentially different medication approaches or more aggressive treatment strategies.

While other definitions of CINV pertain to the timing of symptoms or the specific patient history concerning nausea, they do not encapsulate the ongoing treatment challenge that refractory CINV represents. The term specifically highlights the ineffectiveness of previously used antiemetic therapies despite attempted interventions in subsequent cycles.