Gabapentin for relief of neuropathic pain related to anticancer treatment: a preliminary study.
The aim of our study was to explore a potential analgesic effect of gabapentin in patients with neuropathic pain caused by anticancer treatment. A total of 23 outpatients without active disease and with chronic, treatment-related pain were included in this single-center, open-label, exploratory, non-controlled study. The primary end-points were pain intensity and pain relief following a 4-week treatment period. A total of 15 patients (65%) completed the study, 5 (22%) discontinued the study due to treatment failure and 3 (13%) due to toxicity. More than 50% reduction in pain intensity was obtained in 11 of 23 patients (48%, 95% CI 30-66%). Pain relief increased from 8.33% (+/- 13.64) to 66.58% (+/- 18.35) (p <0.01). Somnolence, mental clouding, and headache were the most frequently reported adverse events. We concluded that gabapentin should be accepted for further investigation in this important setting of supportive care.
Bosnjak
S
S
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Yugoslavia. bosnjaks@ncrc.ac.yu
Jelic
S
S
Susnjar
S
S
Luki
V
V
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects; D010166:Palliative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin