The Effect of Oral Cryotherapy on Anticipatory, Acute and Late Nausea and Vomiting in Breast Cancer Patients

Nausea-vomiting (80%) is the leading symptom associated with chemotherapy. The chemotherapeutic regimen's emetogenicity is effective in the emergence of chemotherapy-induced nausea-vomiting (CINV). In CINV, centers such as the cerebral cortex and the gastrointestinal tract stimulated the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ). Cytotoxic drugs can easily reach the CTZ. Various emetogenic cause serotonin release from enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin stimulates CTZ in the central nervous system, and emesis develops. Despite the antiemetic drugs given to prevent the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, 60% of patients experience nausea and vomiting. Adriamycin Cyclophosphamide (AC) chemotherapy agents often cause nausea and vomiting between 1-7th days after the treatment. When CINV cannot be controlled effectively and adequately, anticipatory nausea and vomiting develop, especially within 24 hours before chemotherapy treatment, and a learned reflex mechanism occurs. It is stated that uncontrolled anticipatory nausea and vomiting in adult patients triggers acute and late nausea and vomiting. It is indicated that approximately 70% of the patients who received chemotherapy treatment between the first and fifth days experienced vomiting at least once, and 80% of the patients experienced nausea at least once.

The guideline for the prevention and management of nausea-vomiting published by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) states that the use of non-pharmacological approaches together with pharmacological methods may be appropriate. One of the nonpharmacological applications recommended in the management of chemotherapy-related symptoms is oral cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is the process of cooling the tissues by utilizing the effect of pieces of ice. Cryotherapy causes local vasoconstriction when used in treatment with intravenously administered chemotherapy agents. The local effect of ice application in preventing muscle damage is that it causes vasoconstriction in blood and lymph vessels, reducing the inflammatory response and activation of some proteins. The most important neuroreceptors in the formation of the emetic response are serotonin, substance-P, dopamine, acetylcholine, corticosteroid, and histamine. The most important neurotransmitters are dopamine, serotonin, and substance-P. Substance-P stimulates cholinergic neurons, causing vasodilation, increased secretion, and smooth muscle contraction. This way, it triggers vomiting by stimulating the CTZ.

The inclusion criteria were as follows;

• Between the ages of 18- 65
• Open to communication and cooperation, literate
• Knowing about their diagnosis
• Diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time
• Adjuvant chemotherapy protocol planned for the first time
• Receiving AC Protocol as chemotherapy protocol
• Who did not receive radiotherapy treatment before adjuvant chemotherapy
• Who does not have COPD, AMI, CHF, CRF, Gastrointestinal, Neurological, Metabolic, pregnancy and non-DM
• Who did not use a non-pharmacological method for nausea-vomiting
• Who received standard antiemetic therapy in accordance with the AC protocol
• Who does not have metastasis
• Who does not have thrombocytopenia
• Who has Stage I and Stage II breast cancer
• Who is not treated for psychiatric and/or depression
• Consisted of female patients who were willing and voluntarily to participate in the study.

The exclusion criteria were as follows;

• Treatment delayed at least two times in a row
• Unreachable through phone calls
• Changed treatment regimen/drugs
• Patients who stopped participating in the study.