Dexamethasone: An Asset for the Management of the Cancer Patient

February 22, 2024

Dexamethasone is widely used for the cancer population.  More recently, dexamethasone has been recognized as a beneficial medication in the anesthetic management of cancer patients.   The use of dexamethasone appears to be of benefit in reducing opiate consumption during the perioperative period.  This is not something that is traditionally taught or emphasized during anesthesiologists' training.  Additionally, the data supporting dexamethasone's use is still not widely disseminated.  

The immunosuppressive properties of dexamethasone, have made it a popular treatment for cancer patients.  Less well recognized are the benefits of this drug in the management of pain, nausea & vomiting, and prolongation of peripheral nerve blocks.  There is a lack of awareness on the benefits of dexamethasone and the appropriate administration timing that needs to be addressed in order to expand knowledge on its benefits for the cancer patient undergoing surgery.

Target Audience

Anesthesiologists, Certified Nurse Anesthetists and staff working in the operating rooms at City of Hope. 

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss data supporting the use of dexamethasone to improve pain. 
  • Identify timing and doses most appropriate for management of pain.
  • Assess which patients are good candidates for dexamethasone.  
  • Discuss possible barriers and biases which may impact patient care (i.e., race, ethnicity, language, gender identity/orientation, age, socioeconomic status, attitudes, feelings, or other characteristics).
Activity summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    City of Hope is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    City of Hope designates this Dexamethasone: An Asset for the Management of the Cancer Patient for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ requirements. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • 1.00 Attendance
Activity opens: 
02/22/2024
Activity expires: 
02/23/2024
Event starts: 
02/22/2024 - 7:00am PST
Event ends: 
02/22/2024 - 1:00pm PST
Add to calendar: 
City of Hope | Virtual Meeting

Virtual Meeting- Zoom

Margaret Hockett, MD, MS

Presenter: Dr. Hockett has indicated that there are no relevant financial relationships.

Planners: Evelyn Bonilla, MD and Michael Sullivan, MD have both indicated that there are no relevant financial relationships.

This presentation and/or comments will provide a balanced, non-promotional, and evidence-based approach to all diagnostic, therapeutic and/or research related content. 

CME Committee/Reviewer no relevant financial relationships:  Daneng Li, MD

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT: City of Hope is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION: City of Hope designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

The following credit type(s) are being offered for this course:

•  AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™  1.0

The following may apply AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for license renewal:

Registered Nurses: Nurses may report up to 1.0 credit hours toward the continuing education requirements for license renewal by their state Board of Registered Nurses (BRN). AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may be noted on the license renewal application in lieu of a BRN provider number.

Physician Assistants: The National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants states that AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ accredited courses are acceptable for CME requirements for recertification.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    City of Hope is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    City of Hope designates this Dexamethasone: An Asset for the Management of the Cancer Patient for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ requirements. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • 1.00 Attendance
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