Nausea and vomiting are two of the most common side-effects of anti-cancer treatment, and the discovery and clinical application of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor antagonists has transformed the management of these side effects, resulting in a much improved quality of life for cancer patients. This text presents a detailed overview of the management of cancer-treatment induced emesis in a number of different treatment settings, and focuses on the mechanisms and use of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Contributions are also included from the points of view of the nurse and the patient.