Adherence to ASCO for Prophylaxis of Acute Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Iran

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the scariest chemotherapy-induced adverse effects. We evaluated the adherence to the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the latest guideline recommendations, for the management of acute CINV at our institute. METHODS: During a 6-months cross-sectional study on outpatient’s cancer patients, we collected data from the prescription documents during temporary hospitalization and compared the results with ASCO guideline recommendations. RESULTS: The most prescribed prophylactic regimens for the management of CINV were combination of aprepitant, granisetron, and dexamethasone and metoclopramide (51.8%). Regarding prescription compatibility in our center with ASCO guideline recommnedations, selection of different regimens for prophylaxis of acute CINV in our institute was compliant in 0 %, 22%, 4%, and 40% of high, moderate, low, and minimal emetogenic potential of chemotherapy regimen groupss, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although our hospital is a referral and university-affiliated center, adherence to the ASCO guideline recommendations for prophylaxis of CINV was poor.