# Evaluation of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients with high-grade glioma treated with lomustine—a case series

## TL;DR

This study examines how often and how severely children with high-grade glioma experience nausea and vomiting from lomustine chemotherapy and suggests appropriate prevention strategies.

## Contribution

The study provides the first evaluation of CINV in pediatric patients treated with lomustine and proposes prophylactic recommendations.

## Key findings

- Moderate or severe CINV was observed in 76% of pediatric patients treated with lomustine.
- CINV prophylaxis regimens varied from no prophylaxis to triple-agent combinations.
- Lomustine is identified as a highly emetogenic chemotherapeutic agent.

## Abstract

Although lomustine has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent for decades, no recommendation on appropriate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) prophylaxis is available. As CINV is considered one of the most bothersome side effects of chemotherapy, adequate prophylaxis is of relevance to improve quality of life during cancer treatment. The aim of this retrospective case series was to report the incidence and severity of CINV in pediatric patients with high-grade glioma treated with lomustine and to formulate recommendations for appropriate CINV prophylaxis.

Pediatric patients treated with lomustine for high-grade glioma according to the ACNS 0423 protocol were identified retrospectively. Two researchers independently reviewed and classified complaints of CINV and administered CINV prophylaxis. Treatment details, tumor localization, and response to therapy were systematically extracted from the patients’ files.

Seventeen children aged 8–18 years received a median of four cycles of lomustine. CINV complaints and administered prophylaxis were evaluable in all patients. Moderate or severe CINV was observed in 13/17 (76%) patients. Administered prophylactic CINV regimens varied from no prophylaxis to triple-agent combinations.

In this case series, we identified lomustine as a highly emetogenic chemotherapeutic agent. According to the current guidelines, CINV prophylaxis with a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist in combination with dexamethasone and (fos)aprepitant is recommended.