Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Nonresponsiveness and Susceptibility of Opioid Side Effects Related to Cancer Patients' Clinical Characteristics: A Post-Hoc Analysis.
The response to opioids is not always positive in cancer patients. A considerable proportion of patients do not respond (nonresponders [NRs]) or experience severe toxicity. The aim of this analysis was to assess the role of demographic characteristics, pain features, comorbidities, and ongoing therapy on the lack of efficacy and on the occurrence of severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs). ⋯ Several clinical variables are correlated with opioid response in cancer patients. In particular, the presence of BTP is associated with nonresponse. Additionally, patients who receive polypharmacological therapy are more likely to experience opioid adverse events.