Urologie pro praxi 2/2018

Current treatment options for cancer pain

The treatment of cancer pain is an important part of a comprehensive oncological approach. Pharmacotherapy with strong opioids is of crucial importance. The currently available opioid agents, including opioids for the control of breakthrough pain, allow for appropriate individualization of pain management. The use of additional, more recent options of pharmacotherapy, such as cannabinoids, adjuvant analgesics, antidepressants, and local treatment agents, can contribute to improving the quality of analgesia. In the case of refractory pain, interventional pain treatment procedures can be beneficial. Continuous treatment monitoring and multidisciplinary collaboration is an essential condition for effective control of cancer pain.

Keywords: cancer pain, opioids, adjuvant analgesics, cannabinoids, interventional pain treatment.