Review article

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2022.61.s2.13

Cancer Pain and Therapy

Gordana Brozović orcid.org/0000-0001-6679-2344 ; Division of Anaesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek
Nikola Lesar ; Division of Anaesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Dimitar Janev ; Division of Anaesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Tomislav Bošnjak ; Division of Anaesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Burim Muhaxhiri ; Division of Anaesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Cancer pain is not a homogenous and clearly understood pathological process. The
best treatment is a combination of drug and non-drug measures. Pain is divided into visceral, bone or
neuropathic pain and has characteristics of continuous or intermittent pain. Cancer bone pain therapy
remains centered on strong opioid, radiotherapy and bisphosphonates. Invasive procedures are aimed
to improve neurological function, ambulation and pain relief. Solid tumors often demand surgery.
Treatment of acute postoperative pain is crucial for the prevention of chronic pain. Chemotherapy
and radiation sometimes also cause pain. The management of cancer pain has improved because of
rapid diagnosis and treatment, understanding of analgesics and the cooperation of patients and their
family. The presence of special pain centers in hospitals also raise standard of cancer pain management.
Drug therapy with non-opioid, opioid and adjuvant drugs is the base of such management. The side
effects must be monitored and timely treated. Methods of regional nerve blockade in pain control are
numerous. Placement of epidural, intrathecal and subcutaneous catheters, conductive nerve blocks
with continuous delivery of mixed local anesthetics are very successful for selected patients. Conventional
physical therapy involving lymphatic drainage is useful. Acupuncture, psychotherapy and
similar methods are also applicable.

Keywords

Cancer Pain; Opioids, Non-opioids; Adjuvant Drugs; Regional Nerve Block; Integrative Medicine

Hrčak ID:

284405

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/284405

Publication date:

1.9.2022.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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