Blood & Cancer

In this episode, we review the latest guidelines on antiemetics from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Host David H. Henry, MD, is joined by ASCO guideline author Paul J. Hesketh, MD, of Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Mass. Dr. Hesketh explains the recommendations for antiemetic use in cancer patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) or high-, moderate-, or low-emetic-risk antineoplastic agents. Checkpoint inhibitors The update to ASCO’s guidelines was primarily driven by questions about antiemetic use in patients receiving CPIs, according to Dr. Hesketh. After a literature review, Dr. Hesketh and coauthors concluded that: Patients receiving CPIs alone do not require an antiemetic regimen. When CPIs are given with chemotherapy, there is no need to modify the antiemetic regimen. Dexamethasone does not compromise the efficacy of CPIs. High-emetic-risk antineoplastic agents Adults treated with cisplatin and other high-emetic-risk single agents should be offered a fo