Impact of Cancer Therapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting on Paediatric Patients

This project aims to assess the mental health impact of cancer therapy on children.

This project aimed to address the important knowledge gap in reporting incidence and experience of nausea and vomiting in paediatric cancer patients. It also explored the appropriateness of improving treatment outcomes and patient wellbeing by formulating antiemetics into orodispersible films which are easier to administer, swallow and can provide a more immediate relief of nausea and vomiting.  

This project is ongoing, and after developing and piloting an interview script for parents and their carers, the team continue to interview families, with a plan to also engage with hospitals outside of London. Engaging directly with patients and their carers has provided first-hand insights into the incidence and experience of nausea and vomiting in paediatric cancer patients. This enabled a deeper understanding of their needs and perceptions, which is invaluable for tailoring more effective treatment strategies. Collaborating with experts in pharmaceutical formulation development facilitated the creation of orodispersible films, which are easier to administer and offer more immediate relief. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve patient comfort and treatment outcomes. 

A public engagement stall was set up at the outpatient pharmacy of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) on 28th and 29th June 2024, which involved a range of engaging activities to visually and physically demonstrate differences in antiemetic formulation types. Setting up the public engagement stall at GOSH helped raise awareness and educate the public about the challenges and treatments for nausea and vomiting in paediatric cancer patients. This engagement also provided valuable feedback from the community, enriching our research with diverse viewpoints. Students who supported the project also recorded videos to engage with children. The event received a positive response from patients and carers, who engaged with activities and shared it on social media. The activities developed as part of this project were also used to inform public engagement activities during World Pharmacist Day in October 2024.

Working with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and researchers from different specialisations fostered an environment of interdisciplinary learning and knowledge exchange, strengthening overall research capabilities and broadening perspectives on patient care. The project reinforced collaborative relationships with healthcare professionals and researchers at GOSH and UCL. These strengthened partnerships pave the way for future collaborative research initiatives and continuous improvements in patient care. 

A blog post is planned by the project team to disseminate outcomes, and the student involved in the project also published their own blog. The research will be used to inform a new grant proposal.  

Image credit: iStock