Implementing therapy with opioids in patients with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To review strategies to optimize the management of chronic pain in patients with cancer, with an emphasis on the role of opioid analgesics.


METHODS
Published research, articles from a literature review, and U. S. statistics.


RESULTS
Treatment for cancer pain remains suboptimal. With the therapies currently available, as much as 90% of cancer pain can be controlled. Opioid analgesics are an important component of pain management in patients with cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
The management of cancer pain is a challenging endeavor that requires an understanding of the etiologies of cancer and the types of pain they can produce. Opioid analgesics are a mainstay of treatment for cancer pain. New drug formulations, delivery systems, and strategies, particularly opioid rotation, are available to optimize cancer pain management.


CONCLUSIONS
Opioid rotation may be useful for opening the therapeutic window and establishing a more advantageous analgesic-to-toxicity ratio in patients with cancer.
de Leon-Casasola
Oscar
O
Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA. oscar.deleon@roswellpark.org
D001711:Biotransformation; D019090:Case Management; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010166:Palliative Care; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014481:United States
D006728:Hormones; D009294:Narcotics; D011355:Prodrugs