Assessing Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Breast Cancer Patients in Malaysia: Insights into Quality of Life and Genetic Influences

• Dr. Abdul Rasool Hassan

Background: Malaysia faces a persistent public health challenge in the form of breast cancer, which affects approximately one in twenty women and accounts for a significant proportion of cancer-related mortality across diverse ethnic groups and age demographics. Despite the advancements in cancer therapeutics, the side effects of chemotherapy, particularly nausea and vomiting, continue to profoundly impact the quality of life of breast cancer patients.

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to explore the prevalence, management practices, and factors contributing to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) among breast cancer patients in Malaysia, with a focus on its implications for patient care and treatment outcomes.

Methodology: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and local Malaysian journals was conducted to identify relevant studies. The articles identified were then screened and selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. Key themes related to CINV prevalence, management strategies, and patient outcomes were extracted and synthesized.

Findings: The review's findings underscore the prominence of nausea and vomiting as major side effects of breast cancer chemotherapy, leading to complications such as poor treatment adherence and suboptimal response rates. The analysis indicates that current management practices within Malaysia's healthcare system are inadequate in alleviating the severity of CINV or enhancing patients' quality of life. Furthermore, the multiethnic composition of the Malaysian population introduces genetic variations that influence drug metabolism, resulting in disparities in treatment efficacy and tolerability.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical impact of CINV on the quality of life of breast cancer patients, highlighting the necessity for a re-evaluation of existing treatment guidelines and the development of customized strategies tailored to the Malaysian population. Enhancing CINV prevention and management practices has the potential to markedly improve patient health outcomes and treatment success.

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