[Oxycodone and pregabalin using transdermal fentanyl patch provided relief of symptoms for postherpetic neuropathic pain in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer]

Abstract

This paper presents a man in his 70's with non-small cell lung cancer (cT3N2M0, Stage III A) after chemoradiation therapy during follow-up visits. He was referred to the department of palliative care 1 month after the occurrence of herpes zoster, because of pain. Opioids (transdermal fentanyl patch and rapid-release oxycodone) were administered for his cancer pain previously. Additionally, gabapentin was given for neuropathic pain uncontrolled by opioids. However, this was replaced by pregabalin because he experienced somnolence. Although numbing improved remarkably with pregabalin, the pain was only slightly improved. The dose of rapid-release oxycodone was increased and controlled-release oxycodone was added. This provided for marked pain relief. We conclude that administration of pregabalin as an analgesic adjuvant, and oxycodone, which is an opioid, should be considered in the treatment of cancer patients without improvement of neuropathic pain from herpes zoster through use of the transdermal fentanyl patch.