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Management of Cancer Pain

Focus on New Opioid Analgesic Formulations

  • Review Article
  • Published:
American Journal of Cancer

Abstract

Cancer pain management necessitates the use of opioids when pain is moderate or severe. Opioids need to be versatile and effective. Newer formulations may improve patient compliance and may be more conducive to the management of transient flares of pain; they also may be tailored to treat certain special populations and may be particularly effective in certain clinical situations. For example, newer opioids have been developed for transdermal, nasal, and nebulized administration, providing a ‘needle-less’ means of controlling pain in those unable to take oral medications. However, newer opioid formulations are not a substitute for good pain management strategies and will not control pain unless provided in adequate doses and schedules. Newer opioid formulations have niche roles in clinical practice, and pain and palliative specialists need to be aware of new developments in opioids and delivery systems. This state-of-the-art review provides a synopsis of recent advances and evolving technologies.

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Notes

  1. The use of trade names is for product identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.

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Acknowledgments

M.P. Davis has consulted for Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review.

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  1. The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Mellar P. Davis

  2. Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, R35, OH, 44195, USA

    Mellar P. Davis

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Correspondence to Mellar P. Davis.

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Davis, M.P. Management of Cancer Pain. Am J Cancer 5, 171–182 (2006). https://doi.org/10.2165/00024669-200605030-00004

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00024669-200605030-00004

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