Onkológia 3/2021

Opioids in the management of cancer patients in the terminal stage of malignant disease

Cancer pain can occur in various forms, either in terms of its pathophysiology, etiology, quality, duration, intensity or location. If not managed in the correct manner, it can have devastating effects on the pacient´s quality of life. Concerning the management, mainly including high-dose opioid medications, we always evaluate the border between patient benefit and patient harm. Knowledge of opioid pharmacology, the principles of treatment of basal and breakthrough cancer pain, as well as the knowledge of the pitfalls of opioid treatment, is crucial for any physician who reaches for this group of drugs.

Keywords: cancer pain, palliative medicine, terminal patient, opioids