title: Role of Ketamine and Methadone as Adjunctive Therapy in Complex Pain Management: A Case Report and Literature Review.
abstract: Assessment and management of complex cancer pain always remains a major challenge for any palliative care team, given its heterogeneity of underlying pathophysiology and limitations of any pharmacotherapy. Here, we present a case of complex pain management in a young patient with a life-limiting illness, highlighting the issues of organic and nonorganic contributors of pain and provide some insight into the role of ketamine and methadone as adjunctive therapy to opioid analgesics. A brief literature review is also done to provide the context of use of these adjunctive drugs in this setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Wasek
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Faisal
authors.affiliation: Department of Palliative Care, Central Coast Cancer Centre, Gosford, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jacques
keywords: Ketamine; methadone; pain management