Low-dose sublingual fentanyl improves quality of life in patients with breakthrough cancer pain in palliative care.

Abstract

Aim: This subanalysis of the CAVIDIOPAL study evaluated the impact of individualized management of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) with fentanyl on the quality of life (QoL) of advanced cancer patients in Spanish palliative care units. Patients & methods: This was a prospective, observational, multicenter study. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's QLQ-C30 questionnaire was used at baseline (V0) and visit 28 (V28). Results: Ninety-five patients were mainly treated with 67-133μg fentanyl, showing a notable reduction in intensity (visual analog scale: 8.0 [V0] to 4.6 [V28]), frequency and duration of BTcPepisodes shortly after the first 1-2weeks of treatment, with significantly improved QoL (global health status: 31.1 [V0] to 53.1 [V28]). Conclusion: Low-dose sublingual fentanyl effectively reduced BTcPin advanced cancer patients in palliative care units, significantly improving QoL. Clinical trial registration: NCT02840500 (ClinicalTrials.gov).