Pharmacologic Management for Cancer Pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is a major factor that impairs functionality and compromises quality of life. Unfortunately, this type of pain is often under-treated due to lack of education about the use and range of effective non-pharmacologic modalities, about how to use and monitor pharmacologic modalities, and the fear about real and imagined adverse effects that are associated with its management. Cancer is diagnosed in approximately 40% of the population with up to 89% experiencing some form of pain in the later stages of the disease. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this population receives inadequate treatment for their pain. Here we provide a review of the evidence-base for determining the best approach for managing the pain of malignancy in the hope of providing a basic framework for the physician to better utilize the pharmacological options that comprise an important component of comprehensive pain care for the cancer patient. This review contains 2 figures, 7 tables, and 106 references. Keywords: Cancer pain, malignant pain, opioids, chronic pain, analgesic options, adjuvant options, cancer pharmacology, evidence-based pain treatment