title: Neuropathic pain in people with cancer (part 2): pharmacological and non-pharmacological management.
abstract: The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the management of neuropathic pain associated with cancer and to provide helpful clinical advice for nurses working with patients who may have neuropathic pain. While cancer pain is a mixed-mechanism pain, this article will focus only on neuropathic pain management. The impact of neuropathic pain on patients' quality of life is great and while many patients recover from their cancer, a significant number continue to suffer from a neuropathic pain syndrome. Management of neuropathic pain is significantly different from management of nociceptive pain with respect to pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Neuropathic pain is complex, and as such requires complex management using pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological approaches. Specific drugs for neuropathic pain may be effective for some patients, but not all; therefore, ongoing and comprehensive assessment and management are required. Furthermore, these patients may require trials of several drugs before they find one that works for them. It is important for nurses to understand neuropathic pain, its manifestation, impact on quality of life and management when nursing patients with neuropathic pain associated with cancer.
authors: Assistant Professor, UBC School of Nursing, Vancouver, Canada.
authors: Tarnia
authors: T
authors: Taverner
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000592:standards*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics
keywords: Neuropathic pain; Non-pharmacological; Pharmacology; Review