What to Know: ASCO's Guideline on Preventing Vomiting Caused by Cancer Treatment

2011

Listen to the Cancer.Net Podcast: Managing Nausea and Vomiting Caused by Cancer Treatment, with Gary Lyman, MD, adapted from this content.

To help doctors give their patients the best possible care, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) developed evidence-based recommendations on the use of antiemetics (drugs that prevent vomiting). These guidelines were updated in 2011 because the latest research showed better prevention of vomiting with new combinations of medications and some additional medications became available. This guide for patients receiving any type of chemotherapy or radiation therapy is based on these updated ASCO recommendations.

Key Messages

• The risk of nausea and vomiting depends on the specific chemotherapy and the type and location of radiation therapy you receive.
• With appropriate medications, vomiting can be prevented in most patients undergoing cancer treatment.