Paul J. Hesketh, MD
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,1 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 patients’ 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 patients’ 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.
Key Update Recommendations
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS of the guideline update include:
- For adults receiving chemotherapy with a high risk for nausea and vomiting, olanzapine should be added to standard antiemetic regimens (the combination of a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, an NK1 receptor antagonist, and dexamethasone). Olanzapine also helps individuals who experience symptoms despite receiving medicines to prevent vomiting before chemotherapy is given.
- For adults receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy or high-dose chemotherapy, and children receiving chemotherapy with a high risk for nausea and vomiting, an NK1 receptor antagonist should be added to the standard antiemetic regimen (the combination of 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone).
- Dexamethasone treatment can be limited to the day of chemotherapy administration in patients receiving the combination of an anthracycline and cyclophosphamide.
- The Expert Panel recommends FDA-approved cannabinoids dronabinol or nabilone to treat nausea and vomiting that is resistant to standard antiemetic therapies. Evidence remains insufficient to recommend medical marijuana in this setting.
The guideline update is also available at asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines. ■
DISCLOSURE: For full disclosures of the guideline authors, visit ascopubs.org.
REFERENCE
1. Hesketh PJ, et al: J Clin Oncol. July 31, 2017 (early release online).
