Radiotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (RINV)

What is the primary goal of treating radiation dermatitis?

Which of the following is a recommended intervention for preventing radiation dermatitis?

Which type of cancer treatment is most commonly associated with acute radiation dermatitis?

What is the primary reason why stem cells within the basal layer are sensitive to radiation?

What is a common symptom of acute radiation dermatitis?

What is the purpose of antiemetics in chemotherapy?

What is a potential consequence of uncontrolled nausea and vomiting in patients receiving radiation therapy?

Which of the following is a treatment-related factor that may increase the risk of RINV?

Which patient-related factor is associated with an increased risk of RINV?

What is the purpose of guidelines for antiemetic prophylaxis or rescue?

Which of the following treatment areas is associated with a high risk of RINV?

Radiotherapy Induced Nausea & Vomiting (RINV)

Incidence and severity of RINV influenced by radiation therapy regimen and patient-specific factors
Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting may lead to delayed or refused radiation therapy
Guidelines provide recommendations for antiemetic prophylaxis or rescue based on treatment area and recognized emetic risk

Risk Factors for RINV

Treatment-related factors:
- Area of body being treated, including:
  - Total body irradiation
  - Brain
  - Abdomen
  - Epigastric region
  - Para-aortic area
  - Pelvis fields extending into the abdomen
- Size of treatment areas/fields
Patient-related factors that may increase risk of RINV:
- Concurrent or recent chemotherapy
- Female gender
- Younger age

Prevention and Management of RINV

Patient education
Small, frequent meals
High-energy, high-protein diet
Antiemetics targeting different receptors (serotonin, dopamine, or DEX)
Prophylactic or rescue medications

Pathophysiology of Acute Radiation Dermatitis

Occurs most commonly in patients with skin, breast, head and neck, vulvar, or anal cancer
Radiation prevents repopulation and repair of stem cells in the basal layer, weakening skin integrity
Radiation can damage microvascular system, increasing risk of tissue hypoxia and fibrosis, and activating an inflammatory cascade
Symptoms range from self-limiting erythema to painful moist desquamation

Prevention and Management of Radiation Dermatitis

Gentle skin cleansing
Moisturizing (not directly before treatment)
Reducing friction/irritants that can cause further injury (mechanical, chemical, thermal, and solar)
Ensuring nutrition
Multiple topical applications recommended for radiation

This quiz covers the incidence, severity, and risk factors of Radiotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (RINV), including treatment-related factors and patient-specific factors.