Development of a questionnaire for monitoring risk factors for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting -A NOGGO pilot study

Abstract

Background: Despite many years of clinical research and development, nausea and vomiting remain challenging toxicities related to chemotherapy. The aim of our study was to clarify the significance of nonpharmacological, patient-related risk factors for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, we aimed to develop a unique patient-related risk score predicting nausea and vomiting in patients with gynaecological malignancies under chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Based on a literature research, 27 risk factors were identified and a preliminary questionnaire was generated. This questionnaire was assessed in 20 patients diagnosed with gynaecological malignancies. Results: The majority of questions were easy to understand and could be answered unambiguously. Questions regarding alcohol consumption and nutrition needed optimization due to problems with suitable answer option finding. Conclusion: Patient-related factors are currently not included when selecting antiemetic prophylaxis in patients under chemotherapy. After a few amendments, our questionnaire will be used in prospective study. To our knowledge, this is the first practicable questionnaire addressing these issues.