Nausea and vomiting during high-dose interleukin-2 (HD IL-2) therapy.

e20661 Background: Nausea and vomiting (N/V) are two common side effects during HD IL-2 therapy. They may be severe enough to cause electrolyte imbalances or lead to missed doses, which may compromise response. Our aim was to describe the incidence of N/V during HD IL-2 therapy at our institution. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients treated with HD IL-2 therapy (720,000 IU/kg per dose intravenously; 14 doses, 2 cycles per course, maximum 2 courses) from January 1999 to June 2011 at Saint Louis University was performed. Patients received scheduled PO ondansetron 24 mg daily and prochlorperazine 10 mg IV or PO every 4 hours as needed per standard protocol. Additional antiemetics were ordered at the clinician’s discretion. Data regarding incidence of N/V and use and type of rescue medication for N/V were recorded. Results: 104 patients were identified (68 melanoma and 36 renal cell carcinoma). Median age was 53.7 years (17.7-77.7 years) and there were 66 men and 38 women. Only 3.8% of patients ...