Effect of ginger on chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (cinv) among breast cancer patients- randomized control trial

Background: Nausea and vomiting are among the most prevalent and disturbing side effects of chemotherapy. Therefore, there is a need for additional antiemetic agents that could effectively reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), whether alone or in combination with current standard therapies. Since clinical data on the effectiveness of ginger in patients with breast cancer is lacking, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of ginger against both acute and delayed forms of CINV in a population with breast cancer as the main malignancy. Methods: In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 60 women with breast cancer who were initially assigned to standard Anthracycline based chemotherapy protocol with the C.A.F regimen were randomly assigned to receive ginger extract (1.0 gm/day in 2 divided doses every 12 hours) plus standard antiemetic regimen or placebo containing glucose with standard antiemetic regimen to control group. The duration of treatment with ginger was specified to 4 days from the initiation of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy induced nausea & vomiting were assessed using MASCC Antiemesis Tool. Result: Significantly low number of subjects had chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting in the experimental group during acute and delayed period after chemotherapy. In cycle 2 and 3 of chemotherapy significantly less number of subjects suffered from nausea and vomiting in experimental group as compare to control group in acute and delayed period. Conclusion:-Addition of ginger (1 gm/day) to standard antiemetic therapy in patients with breast cancer effectively reduces the chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. However, there is no side effects observed with use of ginger. Recommendations: Ginger should be given to breast cancer patients receiving Anthracycline based chemotherapy to decrease CINV.