Utilization of gabapentin for cough in cancer: A case series.

• DOI: 10.1200/jco.2017.35.31_suppl.241
• Publication Date: 2017-11-14T19:00:59Z
• Authors: Josephine Louella...; A. Rab Razzak; Julie Waldfogel; Danielle J Doberman; Thomas J. Smith
• Keywords: Chronic Cough

241 Background: Refractory cough is a significant problem for cancer patients. Therapeutic options are suboptimal and based on low quality of evidence. Gabapentin gamma aminobutyric acid analog that may regulate neurotransmitter release via activity at the alpha-2-delta subunit voltage dependent calcium channels. It hypothesized to ameliorate through central mechanism effective in relieving chronic refractory idiopathic cough. However, gabapentin has not been studied patients with We report use chronic, adult Methods: identified 3 male metastatic evaluated by palliative care Data regarding diagnosis previous treatments cough, dosage gabapentin, symptomatic outcomes reported. Results: Case 1 68 y.o. NSCLC malignant pleural effusion had despite thoracentesis was associated fatigue, sleep disturbance, worsened movement, pain, sitting upright. Previous treatment included benzonatate, codeine, dextromethorphan, albuterol inhaler, ranitidine, without relief. He received 300 mg three times day. 2 left mainstem bronchus obstructive mass amenable stent. Cough eating he could lie flat radiation planning. night. 48 salivary duct carcinoma cavitary S. Pyogenes pneumonia treated antibiotics chest tube drainage persistent All relief within 24 hours were controlled until death. Conclusions: doses up 1800 per day found relative placebo significantly more improvement frequency, severity, life. Chronic can be debilitating symptom interventions inadequately effective, little evidence support their use. Our case series suggests further studies cancer-related warranted.