Challenges Associated With Spinal Opioid Therapy for Pain in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Report of Three Cases

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10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Intraspinal opioid therapy has been increasingly used for the management of cancer pain refractory to traditional treatment. However, this approach may present challenges in patients with advanced cancer. Three cases are presented that highlight the challenges associated with using neuraxial analgesia to manage cancer pain that was felt to be "refractory" to conventional treatment. Before an invasive procedure, such as placement of a permanent intrathecal opioid delivery system, a rigorous assessment and treatment of total pain (physical, psychological, spiritual, social, and practical) by an interdisciplinary team would be prudent.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)930-935
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of pain and symptom management
Volume39
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2010

Keywords

  • Cancer pain
  • advanced cancer
  • opioids
  • palliative care
  • terminal cancer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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