Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)
Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy agents. One of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment and an FDA-approved indication for cannabinoids.
In Depth
CINV affects up to 80% of chemotherapy patients without antiemetic prophylaxis. Dronabinol (synthetic THC) and nabilone are FDA-approved for CINV refractory to standard antiemetics. The antiemetic mechanism involves CB1 receptor activation in the dorsal vagal complex and nucleus tractus solitarius, which reduces emetic signaling. Cannabinoids are generally considered second-line antiemetics due to psychoactive side effects, but are valuable for patients who fail standard therapy.
Related Terms
Further Reading
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Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.