Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Pilot Study Evaluating Ginger and Vitamin B6 for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Receiving Moderate- to High-Emetogenic Risk Regimens in an Oncology Day Unit   (145172)

Guru Sule 1 , Lesley Dawson 1 , Karlee Excell 1 , Shu Dr Lee 1 , Sylvia Dr Lee 1
  1. Cancer Services, Ipswich hospital, , Queensland health, Ipswich, QLD, Australia

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of combined ginger and Vitamin B6 to prevent or reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) caused by moderate- to high-emetogenic risk chemotherapy.

Objectives:

Primary Objective: Assess whether ginger and vitamin B6 reduces incidence and severity of CINV in moderate- to high-emetogenic risk patients.

Secondary Objective: To evaluate the safety and tolerability of the intervention and determine, based on study results, whether a larger randomised controlled trial is warranted

Method: Prospective, single-arm, pre-post intervention pilot study starting from first cycle of chemotherapy and continue for subsequent cycles per patient if tolerated. Adults (≥18 years) with a cancer diagnosis who are commencing moderate- to high-emetogenic risk chemotherapy, and who experience either: (a) nausea and/or vomiting requiring breakthrough anti-emetic medication, or (b) nausea and/or vomiting not requiring breakthrough anti-emetics. Eligible participants must have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0–2 were included in this research trial.

Study Design/Measures will be carried out using following tools: 

  • MASCC Antiemesis Tool (MAT) -pre-filled by the patient and completed by study pharmacist.
  • Oncology treatment diary card (Days 2-6 post chemotherapy) – pre-filled by patients
  • Adherence checklist and pill counts. (Diary logs -optional)
  • Interview or survey on acceptability (optional)

Conclusion: With limited research on the combined use of ginger and vitamin B6 for the prevention and reduction of CINV in cancer patients, this pilot study will be the first of its kind in an oncology day unit setting. If findings are promising, larger RCTs could validate efficacy, enabling clinicians to recommend these evidence-based complementary interventions. The results may also inform the development of standardised dosing protocols for complementary therapies, integration into clinical decision support tools, and the adoption of a low-risk, natural adjunct that aligns with the growing interest in integrative oncology and patient-preferred natural treatments.

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  9. 8. Stronger safety controls to be introduced for products containing vitamin B6 | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)