Leech therapy for symptomatic relief of cancer pain.
OBJECTIVE
Most patients with advanced stage cancer report moderate to severe pain. The leech (Hirudo medicinalis) is commonly used in traditional medicine for relief of localized pain.


METHODS
We report a case of severe pain related to advanced stage cancer successfully treated by self-applied leeches.


METHODS
A 62-year-old male patient with synchronous renal cell carcinoma and leiomyosarcoma was admitted with severe pain in the lumbar region. The pain was refractory to radiotherapy, and systemic and epidural analgesic infusion.


RESULTS
Two months the patient came to the clinic in good condition free of pain. The patient reported outpatient self-treatment with seven leeches to the lumbar region in the interim that resulted in complete healing of pain.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report indicating possible activity of leeches in cancer pain.
Kalender
Mehmet Emin
ME
Department of Medical Oncology, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey.
Comez
Gazi
G
Sevinc
Alper
A
Dirier
Ahmet
A
Camci
Celalettin
C
D000818:Animals; D001416:Back Pain / Q000628:therapy; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000150:complications; D047709:Hirudo medicinalis; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D007890:Leiomyosarcoma / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019042:Muscle Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012648:Self Care; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed