An update of the ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline covers new medicines for nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatment. The update, issued by Hesketh et al in the Journal of Clinical Oncology today, provides new evidence-based information on the appropriate use of olanzapine, neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonists, and dexamethasone.
“The adverse impact of inadequately controlled nausea and vomiting on patient's quality of life is well-documented,” said Paul J. Hesketh, MD, co-chair of the ASCO Expert Panel that developed the guideline update. “By following the ASCO Antiemetics Guideline, clinicians have the opportunity to improve patient's quality of life by minimizing treatment-induced emesis.”
To develop this guideline, the Expert Panel conducted a systematic review of the medical literature published between November 2009 and June 2016. The Panel included members with expertise in medical oncology, radiation oncology, nursing, pharmacy, and health services research, as well as a patient representative.
“Tremendous progress has been realized over the last 25 years in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting with the introduction of new classes of antiemetic agents,” said Mark G. Kris, MD, co-chair of the Expert Panel that developed the guideline update. “The full benefit of these treatment advances will only be realized, however, if evidence-based guidelines are fully implemented.”
Key Update Recommendations
Key recommendations of the guideline update include:
The guideline update is also available at asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines.
The content in this post has not been reviewed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) and does not necessarily reflect the ideas and opinions of ASCO®.