Tiffany Capouch, PharmD

Despite noteworthy progress in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), emesis remains a significant adverse effect of chemotherapy. Several studies have established that addition of a neurokinin- 1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist, such as aprepitant, to a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone can dramatically improve prevention of CINV in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) during the 120 hours after initiation of chemotherapy. The focus of this article is to review the current information on the pharmacology and clinical uses of single-dose fosaprepitant.

With the advent of new technology and therapies, patients with cancer are living longer. However, improved survival rates bring higher rates of relapse, particularly central nervous system relapse. The focus of this article is to review central nervous system complications associated with solid tumors and lymphoma, current treatment strategies, and a new approach to treatment.