Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN
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J Natl Compr Canc Netw · Mar 2013
Guidelines for the management of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer.
The moral imperative to adequately manage pain is being increasingly recognized worldwide. A comprehensive pain management approach that addresses the various presentations of pain in patients with cancer is required, including appropriate management of breakthrough pain. ⋯ Recently developed guidelines support this approach and recommend treating breakthrough pain using rapid- or short-acting opioids with pharmacodynamics that mirror the rapid onset and short duration of the presenting pain. This approach should be part of a comprehensive strategy to treat pain within the context of the primary disease trajectory, offering continuity of care and access to specialized palliative care when appropriate.
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J Natl Compr Canc Netw · Mar 2013
Evidence-based treatment of cancer-related breakthrough pain with opioids.
Opioids are considered important analgesics in the treatment armamentarium for moderate-to-severe background cancer pain. The past decade has seen clinical trials of transmucosal opioid formulations for breakthrough pain in cancer (BTPc), beginning with oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC), followed by fentanyl buccal tablet and intranasal fentanyl spray, and most recently sublingual fentanyl tablet, fentanyl buccal soluble film, and fentanyl pectin nasal spray. During that time, enough rigorous evidence has accumulated to support the development of recommendations on treating BTPc with transmucosal formulations. ⋯ Although oral opioids have been used for historical reasons, evidence supports the use of intravenous morphine or transmucosal fentanyl for treating BTPc, regardless of the opioid being taken to manage background pain. Furthermore, most studies have found no meaningful relationship between the effective dose of transmucosal opioid and the around-the-clock scheduled medication nor the previous rescue medication. The accumulated evidence shows that transmucosal fentanyl formulations provide a rapid effect on BTPc, with adverse events typical of opioids.
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J Natl Compr Canc Netw · Mar 2013
Provision of palliative care and pain management services for oncology patients.
Early initiation of palliative care to address pain and other symptoms offers the potential to improve quality of life for patients with cancer. The approaches to implementing and delivering palliative care and pain management services vary depending on patient needs, available resources, provider training, and clinical setting. ⋯ To tailor services based on the available resources, different approaches were taken, including structuring of services within oncology units; creation of an integrated partnership between oncology and palliative care departments; establishment of a multidisciplinary comprehensive service; and incorporation of nurse-based pain services to address acute, chronic, and cancer pain. These examples offer insights into how to optimize delivery of services in a variety of settings with varying resources.