There are hopes a new drug being tested will help chemotherapy patients feel better.

The Breast Cancer Foundation has committed $250,000 to a new clinical trial which will test the ability of a cheap widely available drug to prevent delayed nausea and vomiting.

164 patients will be recruited from nine hospitals across the country including Christchurch to take part in the tests.

Oncologist Dr Richard Isaacs says they will trial a drug that reduces acid in the stomach.

"Despite the best current anti-sickness drugs that they have, 50 percent of women suffer some delayed nausea from day two to day five and we think there is probably some better mechanism."

It is hoped the two-year trial will begin by the end of this year.