Optimizing use of opiates in the management of cancer pain

• DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.2006.2.4.447
• Publication Date: 2007-02-07T08:48:39Z
• Authors: Mario Mandalá; Cecilia Moro; Roberto Labianca; Marco Cremonesi; Sandro Barni
• Keywords: Cornerstone; Pain ladder

Abstract: Cancer pain is often suboptimally managed. The underestimation and undertreatment continues to be a problem despite the availability of consensus-based guidelines. Most patients with cancer develop pain. prevalence severity among varies according primary metastatic sites stage disease. Opioid therapy cornerstone management severe chronic in field general palliative care medicine. Since this class drugs treatment, optimizing its use may useful clinical practice. For purpose we focused on 4 distinct issues: 1) How implement opioids patients; 2) optimise morphine 3) side effects opioid switching; 4) What role other potent opioids. A holistic approach including an appropriate improve control most patients, particularly for those advanced Keywords: opioids, pain,