Affiliation:
1. College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Seoul National University Seoul Republic of Korea
2. Department of Pharmacy Seoul National University Bundang Hospital Seongnam Republic of Korea
3. Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul National University Bundang Hospital Seongnam Republic of Korea
Abstract
AbstractObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the use of steroids as antiemetics in clinical trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors with chemotherapy.MethodsFocusing on phase III trials registered before August 2023, it evaluated the consistency of steroid use guidelines.ResultsOut of 3452 trials screened, 44 were selected for in‐depth review. The findings indicate a considerable variation: 13 trials did not specify the use of antiemetics, while 31 provided criteria for antiemetics, with 13 conforming to local standards, six to international guidelines, and five allowing either. Seven trials recommended effective antiemetics without detailed criteria. This inconsistency led to a range of steroid dosages, with only 11 trials advocating for minimizing or avoiding steroids for antiemetic purposes.ConclusionThe research highlights the lack of uniformity in antiemetic steroid use in trials, reflecting diverse clinical practices and underscoring the need for further research to understand the implications on treatment outcomes.