Current medical research and opinion
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Reversible defunctionalisation of nociceptors by the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin in high concentration is an emerging new concept for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain. ⋯ The study did not include a control group; therefore, a comparison of the results with that of therapeutic alternatives is not justified.
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The aim of this exploratory study was to assess the conversion ratios between tapentadol and other opioids in patients requiring an opioid switching. ⋯ Data suggest that a conversion ratio between tapentadol and other opioids, expressed in oral morphine equivalents could be 1:3.3 in both direction, particularly in patients who are switched in conditions of equianalgesia. The limited number of patients prevents a definitive conclusion to be drawn, and data should be interpreted with caution, given the exploratory nature of the study and the question of the low number of patients should be addressed in future studies.
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The different operational definitions of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) has generated unclear epidemiological data. ⋯ Patients having good pain control after optimization of the analgesic regimen may have a decrease in number, intensity, and duration of BTcP, although the general prevalence of BTcP remains unchanged.