title: A randomized double-blind crossover trial of intravenous lidocaine in the treatment of neuropathic cancer pain.
abstract: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, we evaluated the effect of intravenous lidocaine (5 mg/kg body weight over 30 min) on the neuropathic pain of advanced cancer patients. Pain intensity, assessed by a visual analogue scale, did not show any significant difference between lidocaine and placebo infusion. The blinded choice of patients and investigators also suggested no significant improvement from lidocaine when given by this regimen. Intravenous lidocaine does not appear to have a significant analgesic effect on neuropathic cancer pain.
authors.affiliation: Palliative Care Program, Edmonton General Hospital, Canada.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bruera
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ripamonti
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brenneis
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Macmillan
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hanson
mesh_terms: D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D015990:Placebo Effect; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine