Cancer pain mgmt w/Duragesic in the opioid naive.

Published

Long-term cancer pain management in morphine pre-treated and opioid naive patients with transdermal fentanyl.

Mystakidou K, Tsilika E, Parpa E, Kouloulias V, Kouvaris I, Georgaki S, Vlahos L.

Pain Relief and Palliative Care Unit, Areteion Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Hellas. [email protected]

There is emerging data supporting the use of TTS-F (transdermal therapeutic system-fentanyl) in opioid naive patients. Our study examines the safety and efficacy of TTS-F in the long-term control of cancer pain in opioid naive patients and those transferring from oral morphine. Pain was assessed in 589 patients (Group A: 268 opioid naive, Group B: 321 transferring from morphine) using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; 0-10), based on selected questions from the Greek Brief Pain Inventory (GBPI). Overall treatment satisfaction was assessed on a 4-point scale. Quality of Life (QOL) and ECOG (0-4) status were also recorded. These were assessed in relation to TTS-F dose, pain type (neuropathic, combined, nociceptive), concomitant use of anti-inflammatory drugs and other demographic data. Of 589 patients, 59 (10%) withdrew as a result of inadequate pain satisfaction or for other reasons. There were no discontinuations due to side effects; no Grade 3-4 events occurred. A total of 530 continued on-study, 211 patients died during study period and 295 departed; all (506; 89%) were satisfied with their pain relief. Analysis of patients at baseline, 28 days, 6 and 12 month time points (n = 153 Group A; n = 214 Group B) with respect to QOL and pain measures indicated a statistically significant (p

PMID: 14506751 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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