Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting control in pediatric patients receiving ifosfamide plus etoposide: a prospective, observational study

Purpose Little evidence exists regarding the emetogenicity of chemotherapy in pediatric patients. This study describes the prevalence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in pediatric patients receiving etoposide plus ifosfamide over 5 days, a common pediatric regimen. Methods English-speaking, non-chemotherapy-naive patients aged 4 to 18 years about to receive etoposide 100 mg/m(2)/day plus ifosfamide 1800 mg/m(2)/day over 5 days participated. Antiemetic prophylaxis was determined by each patient's care team. Emetic episodes were recorded and nausea severity was assessed by patients beginning with the first chemotherapy dose, continuing until 24 h after the last chemotherapy dose (acute phase) and ending 7 days later (delayed phase). The proportion of patients experiencing complete acute CINV control (no nausea, no vomiting, and no retching), the primary study endpoint, was described. The prevalence of complete chemotherapy-induced vomiting (CIV) and chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN) during the acute, delayed, and overall (acute plus delayed) phases; complete delayed and overall CINV control; and anticipatory CINV were also determined. Results Twenty-four patients participated; acute CINV was evaluable in 22. Most (75%; 18/24) received a 5-HT3 antagonist plus dexamethasone for antiemetic prophylaxis. Few (23%; 5/22) experienced complete acute CINV control. Complete acute CIV and CIN control were experienced by 57% (13/23) and 27% (6/22) of patients, respectively. Complete delayed CINV, CIV, and CIN control rates were 42% (8/19), 70% (14/20), and 42% (8/19), respectively. Conclusions Our findings support the classification of etoposide 100 mg/m(2)/day plus ifosfamide 1800 mg/m(2)/day IV over 5 days as highly emetogenic. This information will optimize antiemetic prophylaxis selection and CINV control in pediatric patients.