title: Intrathecal drug delivery for pain: a clinical guide and future directions.
abstract: Intrathecal infusion of medications allows for a direct delivery of agents to the receptors in which they act. This method of treatment is indicated in severe chronic pain of cancer or noncancer origin. In recent years, the use of these devices has increased and the general pain physician, referring doctor and concerned parties such as insurers, needs a better understanding of safety and efficacy. This article is an overview of this therapeutic option and also provides an update on new innovations and forward thinking approaches at improving patient selection and appropriateness of use.
authors.affiliation: Summit Pain Alliance, 392 Tesconi Court, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 USA.
authors.forename: Jason E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Pope
authors.forename: Timothy R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Deer
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid
keywords: intrathecal drug delivery; intrathecal therapy; pain pump; targeted drug delivery