Duration of dexamethasone administration for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is the most common non-haematological toxicity of chemotherapy. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing short course (1-2 days) with long course (3 + days) dexamethasone in preventing CINV was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Results: 1535 articles were screened to identify the 11 studies included in the review. Nine studies of 1892 patients were included in meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in complete response of nausea and vomiting between a short or long course of dexamethasone (RR 0.98, 95 % CI 0.89-1.07, p = 0.58). There was a lower risk of adverse events with a short course of dexamethasone (RR 0.80, 95 % CI 0.64 - 0.99, p = 0.04). Conclusion: There was no significant difference between a short or long course of dexamethasone in preventing nausea or vomiting, but a short course was associated with fewer adverse effects.