Journal
OPEN MEDICINE
Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 34-45Publisher
DE GRUYTER POLAND SP Z O O
DOI: 10.1515/med-2021-0393
Keywords
cancer pain; breakthrough cancer pain; multi-disciplinary team; rapid-onset opioids; fentanyl
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Funding
- Angelini S.p.a.
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Despite dedicated laws and effective treatments in Italy, a low percentage of specialists assess pain and BTcP with validated tools, and undertreatment of cancer pain remains prevalent globally. A multidisciplinary approach, more training programs for clinicians, personalized therapy drug formulations, and virtuous care pathways are essential for improving cancer pain management.
Introduction - Chronic pain and breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) have a high prevalence in all cancer types and cancer stages, combined with a significant physical, psychological, and economic burden. Despite efforts to improve appropriate management of cancer pain, a poor assessment and guilty undertreatment are still reported in many countries. The purpose of this expert opinion paper is to contribute to reduce and clarify these issues with a multidisciplinary perspective in order to share virtuous paths of care. Methods - Common questions about cancer pain assessment and treatment were submitted to a multidisciplinary pool of Italian clinicians and the results were subsequently discussed and compared with the findings of the published literature. Conclusion - Despite a dedicated law in Italy and effective treatments available, a low percentage of specialists assess pain and BTcP, defining the intensity with validated tools. Moreover, in accordance with the findings of the literature in many countries, the undertreatment of cancer pain is still prevalent. A multidisciplinary approach, more training programs for clinicians, personalised therapy drug formulations, and virtuous care pathways will be essential to improve cancer pain management.
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