A Systematic Review: Non-pharmacological Interventions for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Around 70-80% of patients receiving chemotherapy are at risk of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), which can interfere with appetite and the ability to perform normal activities for daily living. When CINV is severe, psychological distress, depression, and physiological impairment occur. Patients may also stop chemotherapy treatments, which can lead to untimely deaths. The aim of this systematic review was to identify, describe, and evaluate the evidence about the use and effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions, compared to no use of non-pharmacological interventions, on self-reported episodes of CINV among the cancer patients. Twenty articles were reviewed on the use of acupressure, yoga, ginger, Concord grape, music therapy, distraction, and other techniques. There were mixed findings on the use of these non-pharmacological methods. The level of evidence, studies, and research available is not sufficient enough to authorize the use of any of these techniques as an adjuvant in reducing CINV. However, due to low cost, ease of use, tolerance, and non-toxic effects of the non-pharmacological interventions, future studies on broader samples are recommended. The use of ginger, yoga, and distraction techniques in reducing CINV are mostly suggested as an adjuvant with pharmacological methods