Breakthrough cancer pain.
Breakthrough pain is a distinct pain state that is common in patients with cancer pain and which is associated with significant morbidity in this group of patients. The aim of this article is to highlight important journal articles relating to breakthrough pain that have been published within the last year, including a systematic review of the epidemiology of breakthrough pain, the largest-ever study of the clinical features of breakthrough pain, and a network meta-analysis of the treatment of breakthrough pain.
Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road,, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XX, UK, adavies12@nhs.net.
Andrew N
AN
Davies
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D058956:Administration, Mucosal; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D059390:Breakthrough Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D009020:Morphine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D010147:Pain Measurement; D000078202:Systematic Reviews as Topic; D000071076:Network Meta-Analysis as Topic
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine